Community nutrition is a rotation in every dietetic internship. It may look different for each intern but you need to have exposure and a basic understanding of programs and resources available in our communities that promote and support good nutrition. 

As a dietitian, you need to know how to help people who don't have access to good nutrition. Even if you don't work in public health, having knowledge of these programs will help your clients and patients.

Plus...they might show up on the RD Exam. 

This is what you'll learn in this episode:

• An overview of different programs available to the public that provides nutrition including access to food as well as education on healthy eating
• A review of programs for children and older Americans

Here's a glance at this episode:

[02:10] A review of WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and the services this organization provides

[05:19] An overview of the National School Lunch Program and why it's such an important program to promote learning for children in school

[07:30] National School Breakfast Program and the nutrient criteria it must meet in order to be in compliance with regulations 

[08:05] National Snack Program and who is eligible for this program

[09:00] The Summer Food Service Program for children during the summer months and how this helps promote increased nutrient intake

[09:42] An overview of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

[11:20] A discussion of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and some examples to help you correctly answer questions pertaining to this program on the exam

[12:36] What is provided through the Headstart program

[14:55] A review of SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and why this program is so helpful to millions of Americans

[16:40] Services provided by the Seniors Farmers Market Program

[17:13] Congregate Meal Program which is under the Older Americans Act and who can benefit from this program

[13:55] A brief overview of Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS)