Nutrition and Food Services Management FNM2

Holland Code: E (Enterprising)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts High school courses in Information and Communication Technology and Hospitality and Tourism. Speaking an additional language (preferably French).

Math & Science Good math skills (need grade 11 or 12 math course)
High school courses in Accounting, Biology and Chemistry.

Technology Basic computer skills.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Organizational and leadership abilities
• An interest in promoting wellness, specifically in the area of diet and nutrition
• excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• The ability to work in a team environment
• The ability to put clients at ease and instill confidence

Useful background experience for this program would be

Part time work in food service or healthcare, an interest in cooking and nutrition. First Aid and CPR training.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Food and nutrition manager (70% of jobs are in Long Term Care).

Places you may find yourself employed include

Long-term care facilities, retirement residences, correctional facilities, hospitals, industrial cafeterias, or airline food services.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Work in close quarters that can be very noisy especially during busy periods
• Multidisciplinary team work; includes working with Registered Dieticians, Nurses, Doctors, Administrators, Family, Clients, Therapists
• Some lifting up to 10 kilograms routinely is required
• May need to taste food that is being served - need a keen sense of taste and smell

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

Food Service Supervisor

• Direct and co-ordinate the activities of workers operating kitchen equipment and preparing, portioning and serving food
• Forecast menu requirements based on a master menu and prepare production sheets or orders for food preparation workers
• Estimate requirements and order food, equipment and supplies
• Supervise and direct the assembly of special diet and regular trays, and the delivery of food carts
• Ensure that food safety regulations are followed
• Maintain food and equipment inventories
• Develop equipment maintenance schedules, arrange for repairs as needed and evaluate new products
• Supervise cafeteria services and catered events
• Conduct audits regarding patient or client satisfaction, food wastage, sanitation and safety
• Set up work schedules and train food service workers

Food and Nutrition Manager

• Supervise food preparation and service operations
• Co-ordinate and plan food service department operations by setting department goals, policies and procedures
• Troubleshoot day-to-day operational issues for the frontline staff to ensure an outstanding service environment is provided to clients
• Monitor, maintain and improve quality standards through audits, surveys, checks and inspections
• Maintain safety and sanitation standards
• Establish, monitor and evaluate customer service plans
• Purchase food, equipment and supplies to established specifications and ensure proper receiving and storage
• Market food services within their organizations or to the public in general
• Hire, train and direct the work of food service personnel
• Work under the direction of dieticians to make recommendations for improving food intake based on client needs
• Implement budgets and control costs

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Certified Nutrition Manager (CSM)
• Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals
• Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may apply for admission to the Retirement Residence Management graduate certificate program.

Last Modified: January 15, 2024