Program Description
Food Service is one of the fastest growing industries. Schools, hospitals, prisons, universities and the hospitality industry are always in need of trained food service professionals. Merced College provides Foods and Nutrition courses that are designed to provide knowledge and skills to ensure a strong foundation for students.
Degrees/Certificates
Merced College offers the following degrees/certificates in Foods and Nutrition:
- Foods and Nutrition (AA)
- Foods and Nutrition (CL)
- Dietetic Service Supervisor (CE)
Fast-Track Program
New for Fall 2020, earn up to four certificates in just two semesters. See the Foods & Nutrition Fast Track flyer (pdf).
Career Opportunities
Employment of Registered dietitians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations because of increased emphasis on disease prevention, a growing and aging population and public interest in nutrition. Growth is anticipated in nursing homes, residential care facilities and physicians clinics. There are always opportunities for all levels of Food service, such as:
- Dietary Service Supervisor
- Foods and Nutrition
- Registered Dietitian
Resources
- American Dietetic Association: www.eatright.org
- Programs with bachelor degrees: www.fresnostate.edu, www.calpoly.edu, www.ucdavis.edu
Location
VOC-18
Merced Main Campus
Contact
Bryan Tassey
Dean of Career Tech Education - Agriculture, Business, Industrial Technology / Area
3
bryan.tassey@mccd.edu (209) 384-6397
Corina Jimenez
Area Administrator Coordinator, Business
jimenez.c@mccd.edu (209) 384-6120
Foods & Nutrition Faculty
| Name | Position | Office | Email/Phone |
| Jennifer Hobbs | Professor of Foods and Nutrition | VOC-29 | jennifer.hobbs@mccd.edu (209) 384-6014 |
| Michelle Pecchenino | Professor/Coordinator Foods and Nutrition Program | LRC-127 | pecchenino.m@mccd.edu (209) 384-6056 |
| Adjuncts | |||
| LaVon Cronk | Adjunct Professor of Foods and Nutrition | cronk.l@mccd.edu) (209) 384-6120 |
|
| Martha Goodwin | Adjunct Professor of Foods & Nutrition | martha.goodwin@mccd.edu (209) 384-6120 |
|
| Ralph (Gene) Womble | Adjunct Professor of Foods & Nutrition | ralph.womble@mccd.edu (209) 384-6120 |