The Chatham County Extension Master Food Volunteer (EMFV) program offers residents a meaningful way to support local N.C. Cooperative Extension programs centered on nutrition, cooking, food safety, and local food systems. EMFVs work alongside Extension staff to strengthen community outreach and help bring practical, evidence-based education to people across the county.

Volunteers may assist with hands-on cooking classes, health and nutrition workshops, youth programs, food preservation activities, and community events. Training provides a foundation in key food- and nutrition-related topics as well as guidance on how to support Extension programming effectively.

Whether helping set up a class, guiding participants through a recipe, or sharing reliable food and nutrition information, EMFVs play an important role in expanding Extension’s impact in Chatham County.

Application & Training Details

Applications are open! Apply by completing this online form.

Apply by October 30th, 2026

Training Schedule
Wednesdays starting January 13, 2027 through February 10, 2027

9am-12pm*

Chatham County Ag & Conference Center in Pittsboro, NC + Online

*The last two days of training, February 3 and 10 are scheduled for 9am-1pm

Community members interested in learning new skills, giving back to the community, and supporting local food and nutrition efforts are encouraged to learn more about the program and upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Contact Tara Gregory at tara_gregory@ncsu.edu to obtain an application and request to view a recent EMFV Information Session video recording.