Ensure Society’s Health as a Food and Nutrition Manager
In many areas of society, food and nutrition experts are required to
ensure that the dietetic aspects of people’s health are looked after.
These experts are part of the field known as Food and Nutrition Management,
and their titles include dietary managers, nutrition technicians, food
and nutrition managers, food service coordinators and quality control
technicians. Although tasks vary among the different positions, there
are some skills that are common among all Food and Nutrition Management
experts. For example, all employees in this field practice in
accordance with the code of ethics while participating in a variety of
settings. In addition, many create master menus, supervise the
preparation of food products and special feedings, follow standardized
recipes and production procedures as well as supervise food
distribution and operation procedures according to standards. Lastly,
all Food and Nutrition Management workers are well versed in sanitation
according to established policy, procedures and regulations. Starting
salaries average around $40,000 and can reach $45,000 to $55,000 after
five years of progressive management experience. Work can be found in:
hospitals, seniors’ residences, nursing homes, extended care
facilities, industrial cafeterias, airline food services, food
manufacturers and community agencies.
However, before you can
enter the workforce, a food management degree or diploma is required.
Centennial College’s two-year Food and Nutrition Management program
allows students to get a well-rounded education in food, nutrition,
business and human relations. To apply for one of the only
post-secondary nutrition programs in the Greater Toronto Area, there
are some prerequisites. First, you must present at minimum an Ontario
Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older.
In addition, you must have compulsory English 12C or U or skills
assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills
assessment, or equivalent.
Within this food management program,
you will find a balance between practical application learning and
theory-based lectures. Training occurs by students participating in
on-campus food labs as well as in a seven-week placement in their
fourth semester. During the placement, students have the opportunity to
apply what they have learned as well as gain more knowledge by working
alongside industry professionals. Please note that there are pre-job
placement requirements that must be met by students of Food and Nutrition Management,
which can be viewed on the admission page. In addition to placement and
lab sessions, students study courses such as: Introduction to
Computing, Human Aging, Nutrition, Mathematics for Food Service
Management, Purchasing for the Food Service Industry, Medical Nutrition
Therapy, Supervision Practices and many more.
This is also one of the nutrition programs accredited by the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM).Food and Nutrition Management
graduates are automatically eligible for membership in the CSNM and
OSNM (Ontario Society of Nutrition Management). CSNM membership is a
requirement of the Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to
work in a long-term care facility and most acute care facilities.
