The Newport News Extension Office recently hosted its first Junior Master Food Volunteer Teen Mentor Program!
This program is an expansion of our Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Food Volunteer Program and focuses on training teens between the ages of 13 and 18 to be able to assist agents and Master Food Volunteers with food- and nutrition-related programs.
This first group of teen volunteers was trained by Lanette Kelly, the family and consumer sciences Extension agent for Newport News; Tiara Davulco, 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant for Newport News; Jacqueline Simmons, Nutrition Program Assistant, and Sandra Carey, Master Food Volunteer from Newport News.
At the conclusion of their training, the group showcased a grand finale by preparing and serving a luncheon for over 75 guests! Their meal consisted of recipes from the Family Nutrition Program, including easy stovetop lasagna, fruit salad, and banana pudding.
As a result of this training, a new 4-H teen club will be formed so that the teens can give back to their community in a variety of service projects.
Congratulations to everyone for a great job! We look forward to hearing more about the successes of this great group of teens.