Family Food Education Volunteers

FAMILY FOOD EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS (FFEV)

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.

A Master Food Preservers volunteer program was launched in 1980 to support the county Food Safety/Preservation Program. That program has now been re-named and enhanced to include Nutrition Education. Family Food Education Volunteers (FFEV) are assisting OSU Extension efforts at emergency food sites (food pantries) and schools.

2012 MAY-AUG CLASSES 

• Nutrition
• Food Safety
• Food Preparation: Hands, Kitchen Clean Up, Kitchen Mistakes, Prevent Foodborne Illness
• Food Preservation
• Storing Food for Safety and Quality (PNW 612)
  
• Food Safety/Preservation Hotline  1-800-354-7319 (JuNE 25 - October 12, 2012; Mondays - Friday 9 am - 4 pm (1-4 pm on Wednesdays)

SUCCESS STORY

In 2010, 58 Family Food Education Volunteers contributed over 3,100 hours of time in Jackson and Josephine counties. They educated the public about safe food handling/preservation over the phone and at over 26 workshops and exhibits. Over 4,000 Oregonians were contacted through these direct methods. Over 50,000 contacts were made through television programs (including Scott’s Garden on Channel 12, The Real Dirt Program, and Healthy Living featured on Public Access Programming), and four articles about our classes in the Medford Mail Tribune.

Our volunteers work with the OSU Nutrition Education Program. They have helped to give food pantry demonstrations and on the use of emergency foods and healthy food choices.  Over 16,000 contacts were made to adults and youth in food pantries, schools, and other SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligible locations.