Volunteer Programs

Volunteers add greatly to the effectiveness of OSU Extension Services programs and allow us to expand our program outreach. OSU Family and Community Health programs are enriched by volunteers working directly with Extension professionals and aligned volunteer service organizations.

 Family Community Education Program (FCE)

Oregon Association for Family and Community Education is an independent non-profit organization whose history and mission is closely aligned with the OSU Family and Community Health Program. We work collaboratively to develop and deliver community education and service projects addressing important community needs.

The FCE program provides opportunities for people to learn and share information with the community.  Each year OSU develops two or three lessons including background and materials for teachers and participants on topics of community importance. These are available for FCE groups and others who deliver community education through a "train-the-trainer" model.

FCH Faculty Developed FCE Lessons

For information on FCE and similar community education groups in your area contact your local County Extension office.  

Family Food Education (FFE) Volunteers

With many hours of volunteer assistance, the OSU Extension Service has disseminated research-based information on safe food handling to thousands of Oregonians for 25 years. This has averted foodborne illness (and medical bills) and prevented the expense of food waste.

The Family Food Education (FFE) volunteer program (previously known as Master Food Preservers) was launched in 1980 to support county food safety/preservation programing. The program has now been enhanced to include nutrition education. FFE Volunteers  assist OSU Extension efforts at emergency food sites (food pantries) and in schools.

In 2008, 260 new and veteran Family Food Education volunteers contributed over 16,400 hours of time at nine county sites (Clackamas, Central Oregon, Jackson/Josephine, Lane, Douglas, Wasco/Hood River, Coos, Curry and Linn). They educated the public about safe food handling and preservation over the phone and at workshops/exhibits such as farmers’ markets and county fairs. Almost 58,000 contacts were made. Of these, over 4,470 callers received assistance from the statewide toll-free Food Safety/Preservation Hotline which operated with volunteer assistance for three months during the food preservation season.

 For information on FFE volunteer opportunitiesin your area contact your local County Extension office.