Program Description
The Nutrition and Foods Department offers students a foundation for their career in
Nutrition and Foods.
The curriculum provides diverse coursework that satisfies the needs of Dietetic Service
Supervisory Levels, foodservice management, as well as those seeking a career within
healthcare, public health programs, and the
restaurant field. Additionally, child care programs, nursing, and Allied Health majors
will benefit from the diverse variety of coursework.
Upon completion of Nutrition 44, those majoring in Nutrition and Foods will take the
National Restaurant Association ServSafe Manager Exam. After passing the exam, students
will earn a ServSafe Manager Certification that is valid for five years. This certification
is invaluable when seeking employment in the food service field.
Those who take Nutrition 37 will be assigned to complete 150 hours of supervised field
experience overseen by a qualified preceptor. 25 of the 27 Nutrition related field
experience hours will be overseen by a Registered Dietitian. This program is approved
by the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP). Students are
eligible for ANFP Pre-Professional membership; graduates are eligible for the CDM
Credentialing Exam offered through the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM)
and ANFP professional membership.
Degrees/Certificates
Merced College offers the following degrees/certificates in Nutrition and Foods:
- Dietetic Services Supervisor Certificate
- Nutrition & Foods Certificate
- Nutrition and Dietetics - A.S. for Transfer
Career Opportunities
Employment of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists is expected to grow much faster than
average for all
occupations because of increased emphasis on disease prevention, obesity prevention,
a growing and aging population, and public interest in nutrition and food sustainability.
Growth is anticipated in nursing homes, residential care facilities, physician's clinics,
and public health. There are abundant employment opportunities at all levels of in
the food service industry.
- Cook
- Food Service Worker
- Dietary Aide
- Dietary Manager
Additional training and experience can increase employment opportunities to positions such as:
- Culinologist
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
- Food Scientist
Resources
- American Dietetic Association: www.eatright.org
- Programs with bachelor degrees: www.fresnostate.edu, www.calpoly.edu, www.ucdavis.edu
Location
Agriculture Office
Merced Main Campus
Contact
Bryan Tassey
Dean of Career Tech Education - Agriculture, Industrial Technology & Nutrition
bryan.tassey@mccd.edu (209) 384-6397
Veronica Munguia
Area Administrator Coordinator, AG/IT & Nutrition
veronica.munguia@mccd.edu (209) 384-6250
Nutrition & Foods Faculty
| Name | Position | Office | Email/Phone |
| Jennifer Hobbs | Professor of Nutrition and Foods | VOC-27 | jennifer.hobbs@mccd.edu (209) 384-6014 |
| Michelle Pecchenino | Professor/Coordinator Nutrition and Foods | VOC-29 | pecchenino.m@mccd.edu (209) 384-6056 |
| Adjuncts | |||
| LaVon Cronk | Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Foods | cronk.l@mccd.edu |
|
| Jane Eastman | Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Foods | jane.eastman@mccd.edu |
|
| Martha Goodwin | Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Foods | martha.goodwin@mccd.edu |
|
| Jean Kigozi | Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Foods | jean.kigozi@mccd.edu |
|
| Erin Tassey | Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Foods | erin.tassey@mccd.edu |