What is the Extension Master Food Volunteer Program?
University of Hawai’i’s new Extension Master Food Volunteer (EMFV) certification program trains community members to deliver food & nutrition education at food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community sites in Hawai‘i County. Volunteers can earn their certification through training on topics including food safety, nutrition, cooking skills, and teaching strategies. Supplies may be provided for certified volunteers to lead educational presentations in their communities.
Program Overview
- Complete 20 hours of training + 20 hours of service in the first year
- Obtain Food Handler Certification
- Pass UH Volunteer Screening, including background check
- Pass a written exam and presentation assessment
- NOTE: Volunteer Services totaling more than 15 days (not necessarily consecutive) within any calendar year requires a tuberculosis clearance in accordance with Administrative Procedure A9.520, Tuberculosis Clearance.
- Cooking demonstrations or classes
- 4-H and youth education, including in-school and after-school programs
- Health fair booths
- Events at food distributions, pantries, or other food program sites
- Farmers market displays or educational events
- Grocery store displays
- Newspaper or newsletter articles on healthy eating and food preparation
- Recipe development for local food
Get Involved
Hawai‘i County Launch : 2026
Coming to Maui & Kauai in 2027/2028
Training: February – May 2026
(online with two in-person days)
Ideal Candidates are:
- Comfortable speaking to groups
- Committed to science-based education
- Knowledgeable about local foods in the community
- Motivated to support families and community health
For more information about the program, check out the slides from our interest meeting.
For questions, contact hemfv@hawaii.edu.