The goal was to have one or more highly trained volunteers who could be reached by a local call from any part of the county. Recruiting Volunteers Volunteers were recruited through local newspapers, Extension Homemakers newsletters, and other agencies, including the Spokane Indian Housing Authority. After the first year, the trained volunteers did most of the recruiting. Applicants weren't screened and anyone who filled out an application form and agreed to the commitment was accepted. The current eight food advisors are representative of the volunteers over the years.
Family size varies from a single parent with one child to a family of six.
One of the volunteers is Native American. The training was hands-on experiences along with a theoretical background, and was made as nonthreatening as possible. Part of the orientation was to discuss the questions that would be on the final exam. The information was presented at an easy pace that allowed time for personal sharing. An important part of the process was for volunteers to get to know one another to form a strong support group.