Extension Master Food Volunteer Pilot Program Commences in Hawaiʻi County

Chef Sandy Barr-Rivera demonstrates knife skills to participants at the orientation for the pilot program. 

On February 7, the Hawai‘i Extension Master Food Volunteer Program officially launched in Hawai‘i County with an in-person orientation at the Komohana Extension & Research Center in Hilo. Volunteers were welcomed, introduced to the program’s goals, and engaged in interactive activities to begin their training.

Led by Marielle Hampton of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (UH-CTAHR) Cooperative Extension, this pilot program prepares volunteers to deliver food and nutrition education throughout the county. Hampton also serves as Vice-Chair of the Hawaiʻi County Healthy Eating + Active Living (HEAL) Coalition Steering Committee. Emma Waters, Hawaiʻi County HEAL Coalition Coordinator, is part of the inaugural volunteer cohort, reflecting the coalition’s support for the program as a 2026 priority.

Modeled after the Extension Master Gardeners program, this initiative expands the reach and effectiveness of Extension services by training volunteers to serve as community partners in advancing food and nutrition education. The program emphasizes evidence-based nutrition guidance and support for local food systems.

Participants complete a 20-hour core curriculum from February through May, combining virtual instruction, in-person sessions, independent study, and collaborative learning. Topics include nutrition and culinary skills, food safety, health behavior change, and local food systems. The training culminates with a capstone cooking demonstration where participants apply their newly developed skills.

From May 2026 through April 2027, graduates serve as interns and volunteers at approved sites, gaining hands-on experience. Afterward, Extension Master Food Volunteers commit to ongoing service hours and continuing education each year. Volunteers may contribute through nutrition workshops, cooking demonstrations, community outreach, curriculum development, and partnerships with local food banks and Extension initiatives. 

For more information about the Hawaiʻi County HEAL Coalition, please contact the Hawai‘i County HEAL Coalition Coordinator Emma Waters at emmawaters@hiphi.org.