From Theory to Practical Application – Food Service Program at Centennial College

by

Michael McGraw

An arranged field placement, food safety certification, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training, practical food lab practice, and a Ontario College Certificate in just one semester: These are the most important aspects of the Food Service program at Centennial College.

But there are also many other benefits if you undertake this ‘fast-track’ offering, which was developed to meet the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Standards and Criteria, with input from professional organizations and healthcare employers. In fact, this certificate is a requirement to work as a dietary aide in long-term care. In addition, graduates of this program obtain the TrainCan Basics Food Safety Certificate, which is accepted by Toronto Public Health as an equivalent to their Food Handlers Certificate. As previously mentioned, one of the standout features is an arranged work experience field placement in a health care facility, providing you with hands-on experience, which allows you to apply classroom learning to real work situations. To be sent out on placement, you must have a mandatory two-step mantoux test (TB skin test) within 12 months of starting the program, even if you have had BCG, as well as influenza immunization and a vulnerable persons’ police check. Before placement is offered, you will spend time learning the skills needed to be successful in the Food and Nutrition Management industry. Courses are scheduled for three days per week to accommodate your existing commitments and work schedules. The food service program incorporates classroom lectures and hands-on practice by way of topics such as practical aspects of quantity food preparation, meal service, basic therapeutic diets and nutrition, proper sanitation practices, effective communication and quality customer service. Students in the food and nutrition management may also use the knowledge and skills they gain to transfer into the two-year Food and Nutrition Management diploma program if desired. Upon graduation from the food service program students are able to: communicate the role of nutrition and apply the principles of human nutrition to food production in the health care food service environment; discuss the standards and principles of diet therapy relating to a variety of illnesses and diseases and apply these principles to the assembly of therapeutic meals in the health care food service environment; provide a safe and health dietary environment, including food that is free from bacteria and other harmful contaminants; carry out cost control techniques in the preparation of foodservice in the healthcare environment; implement cooking principles and techniques in the preparation of large quantities of various foods for the healthcare environment; and more. As such, you may go on to become an effective member of an interprofessional health care team in food and nutrition management, the food service industry, and work in places like long-term care facilities, hospitals, and with food service contractors. If you are interested in applying for the Food Service Worker program, you must have completed at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be19 years of age or older. In addition, you must have the English Grade 12 C or U (minimum grade required) or equivalent, or skills assessment.

Klaudia writes that the food and nutrition management-focused program at Centennial College consists of theoritical aspects of the Food Service program and nutrition industry and delivery of quality customer service as well as a work placement in a health care facility.

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