Master Food & Nutrition Volunteer program | Community Spirit

Does educating others about nutrition, fitness, wellness and culinary arts in a fun environment sound like a recipe for community success? If so, apply to become a Master Food & Nutrition volunteer now to begin training in September.

Pinellas County Extension Master Volunteer University is offering the perfect ingredients for volunteerism success that blends equal parts of interactive fun and enthusiasm with top-notch training.

This is the third year the program is being offered. Volunteers reach a variety of citizens including seniors, children and families. Programs are provided for faith-based organizations, family centers, worksites, schools, recreation centers and other locations with groups interested in learning how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Prior training, education and nutrition knowledge are not needed for selection, just a desire to learn and help others along with a personal commitment to volunteer. To rise to the level of a Master Food & Nutrition volunteer, participants take a 40-hour training program developed by Extension experts.

Training classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 25 and conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Classes, held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., will be spiced up with lectures, workshops, demonstrations and field trips to give volunteers all the tools and techniques for success.

The $50 training fee covers class supplies and course materials including the book “American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide.” Training topics will include smart eating guidelines, facts about carbohydrates, fiber, fat, food pyramid, food safety and tips on how to best prepare meals. A trip to the grocery store to get the scoop on supermarket know-how is planned.

The Master Food & Nutrition Volunteer program is part of the Pinellas County Extension Master Volunteer University and is a partnership between County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and the 4-H Youth Development.

Those interested in serving as Master Food & Nutrition volunteers must submit an application by Friday, Sept.14, 2012. To register, visit http://pce-familiesandconsumers.eventbrite.com/ or call (727) 582-2104. Pinellas County Extension Master Volunteer University is located at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo.

Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this program, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. At least seven days prior to the program, please contact the Office of Human Rights, 400 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Suite 500, Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 464-4062 (Voice/TDD).