Ensure Society’s Health as a Food and Nutrition Manager

In the field of Food and Nutrition Management, experts analyze and meet the nutritional and dietary needs of many people. This includes seniors, hospital patients, airplane passengers and more.

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.