Family Food Education 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.

A Master Food Preserver volunteer program was launched in 1980 to support county food safety/preservation programing. That program has now been re-named and enhanced to include nutrition education. Family Food Education volunteers are assisting OSU Extension efforts at emergency food sites (food pantries) and in schools.

Success story

In 2005, 125 new and advanced Family Food Education (FFE) volunteers contributed over 9,200 hours of time in 6 counties (Coos, Curry, Lane, Douglas, Jackson/Josephine). They educated the public about safe food handling/preservation over the phone and at workshops and exhibits. Over 24,200 Oregonians were contacted. Of these, 4,325 called OSU Extension's statewide Food Safety/Preservation Hotline which operated for 3 months during the preservation season as well as for two weeks during the Thanksgiving holidays.

35 FFE active Lane county volunteers gave 212 food pantry demonstrations on use of emergency foods. They have contributed over 1,200 hours and reached over 7,300 adults and 600 youth.