Newly Developed Nutrition and Food Education Course Coming in August

This blended learning course is designed for K-12 school-based professionals (i.e. Health, PE, FACS, classroom teachers, nurses, counselors, food service providers, etc…) to learn how to teach nutrition education while working collaboratively across school and local community to establish healthful, sustainable, food systems for schools. The course will begin with a required face-to-face day on August 11^th, held in conjunction with the annual Child Nutrition Summer Institute in St. Johnsbury. The remainder of the course will take place in an asynchronous, online learning environment. Credit will be granted by Castleton State College. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have:

• Explored strategies for standards based instruction and assessment of K-12 nutrition education,
• Discussed common nutritional problems of children,
• Evaluated the impact of public health forces on nutrition habits of children,
• Explored the nutrient needs for childhood growth and development, including the Dietary Guidelines, and
• Developed a plan to work collaboratively across school and local community to establish healthful, sustainable food systems for schools.

Moreover, as part of this comprehensive course, participants will also delve into essential aspects of food safety. They will gain an understanding of mycotoxins, harmful substances produced by certain molds that can contaminate food supplies. Through the exploration of mycotoxin test kits and related safety measures, students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the integrity and healthfulness of the food systems they help establish in schools. This holistic approach to nutrition education underscores the importance of not only nourishing children but also safeguarding their well-being through rigorous food safety practices.

The cost to register for this two credit course is $1013.00 and includes fees for the face-to-face day on August 11st at the Child Nutrition Summer Institute in St. Johnsbury. To learn more contact Kate O’Neill at [email protected].