Have a passion for food, nutrition, and wellness? Enjoy helping others? If yes, then learn more about Gaston County’s new Extension Master Food Volunteer Program (EMFVP)!
Check out the 2025 N.C. Extension Master Food Volunteer Annual Report. 2025-EMFV-Program-Annual-Report
Click here for the Master Food Volunteer Program flier
Benefits to You
- Gain cooking and knife skills
- Receive nutrition and food safety training
- Participate in day trips to area food processing plants and research facilities
- Make connections to our local food system
- Meet new people who share your interest in food and nutrition - locally and statewide
- Be a part of N.C. Cooperative Extension’s food, nutrition, and wellness workshops in Gaston County
- Make a difference throughout your community
EMFVP Volunteer Opportunities
- Conduct cooking demos at farmers markets, churches, and other community locations
- Assist with home canning workshops
- Provide educational outreach at health fairs and community festivals
- Participate in Extension workshops
- Assist with Extension youth-based nutrition and cooking workshops
- Check out the google calendar for upcoming volunteer opportunities
2025 Regional Extension Master Food Volunteer Program Graduation Event
Become an Extension Master Food Volunteer
Program Requirements
- Gaston County resident
- 30-hrs educational training
- 30-hrs “shadowing” an agent
- 20-hrs volunteer service annually
- 10-hrs continuing education annually
Training and continuing education provided through the Extension Master Food Volunteer Program.
- Contact N.C. Cooperative Extension - Gaston County Center: 704.922.2130.
- Complete an informal interview with the local FCS Extension Agent to determine if this is the right program for you.
- Complete application form: available online. Email to jemungo@ncsu.edu, or mail completed applications along with payment to 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy., Dallas, NC 28034.
- Submit registration fee and complete a background check. Cost: $30-ECA member; $40-non-ECA member.. For accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact instructor.
- Complete the EMFVP training (30-hrs)
Helpful Links for Volunteers:
