NUTR 648 Nutritional Program Planning

Exploration of successful models of the development, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition intervention programs which aim to improve health and support wellness through changing nutritional behavior.

This course aims to introduce students to the methods of assessment of population-based nutrition programming and intervention, development of the program to meet the needs of the assessment, and evaluation of the effectiveness of these nutrition programs. This course is interdisciplinary and integrates other fields such as research methods, statistics, public health and program evaluation. 

The students will learn about program planning definition, rationale, impact, role of health educator and nutrition services, and assessment of nutritional population problems. Students will learn the why, who, what, when, and where of nutrition program planning by linking research, theory, and practice.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a 500-word thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. (CLOs: A, E, G, H) In addition to the thread, the student is required to write a 200-word reply to 2 other classmates’ threads.(CLOs: B, C) The instructor is looking for substantial, thoughtful, and critical discussions. 

Project Assignments (5)

This project is comprised of five (5) parts that will be conducted throughout the term. The aim of the activity is to use a case scenario for the student to design a WIC nutrition program to teach to a specific population that targets challenges in that target population.

WIC Population and Nutrition Challenge Assignment

The student will choose a population that WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) works with: pregnant women, breastfeeding women, infants, and children (up to age 5). After choosing a population, he/she will use the USDA, CDC, and AND (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) websites to identity important nutritional needs. Then the student will identify an educational theory or model that he/she feels would be a good match for the program. Finally, the student will choose whether he/she wants to work with those that are rural or intercity. The student must write 800-1,000 words and cite all materials in proper
current AMA format. (CLOs: A, D, F, G, H)

WIC Program Build Assignment

The student will build a program for the population that was discussed in part 1. The student must include an introduction, discussion of digestion and nutrients, biblical principle, and tips for application. Assignment should be 800–1000 words in length and include two or more peer-reviewed references aside from the textbook or websites. (CLOs: D, F, G, H)

WIC Goals, Objectives, Budget and Timeline Assignment

Student will write a minimum of one (1) goal and three (3) SMART objectives for his/her program. He/she will also write a comprehensive budget to include supplies, equipment and salaries for educators involved. Finally the student will devise a timeline for the program which includes preparation and intervention sessions. Assignment should be 800–1000 words in length and include two or more peer-reviewed references aside from the textbook or websites. (CLOs: A, F)

WIC Build-a-Meal Assignment

The student will design a menu for one meal that would help the target population achieve the nutritional goals. This menu would need to include fruits and vegetables and encourage methods to make convenience foods more nutrient dense. The student must submit the recipes (3–4) and cost list for ingredients. Assignment should be 400-500 words in length. (CLOs: A, D, E, F, H)

WIC Barriers Assignment

The student will reflect on their process of building the program. This is a personal subjective reflection that requires integration of biblical principles. Additionally, the student will identify any barriers that he/she perceives happening within the program and how said barriers will be navigated. Assignment should be 600-800 words in length and include two or more peer-reviewed references aside from the textbook or websites. (CLOs: B, C, F, H)

Cooking Matters Analysis Assignment

The student will critically evaluate the federally funded program, Cooking Matters, and its curriculum. He/She will determine strengths and challenges of the current program and suggest two (2) changes that he/she feels could be made. Assignment should be 400-500 words in length and include two or more peer-reviewed references aside from the textbook or websites. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, F, H)

Think Global Assignment

The student will choose one of the top five (5) poorest countries in the world that he/she would want to work in: Liberia, Central African Republic, Burundi, Congo, or Niger. The student will evaluate the industry in the country and top health challenges involving nutrition. The student will then identify three (3) programs that could help with said health disparities and, with no budget in mind, put together a dream team of five (5) professionals to address the issues, and explain why he/she chose those five (5). This Assignment must cite all materials in proper current AMA format and include 500-600 words. (CLOs: A, E, F, H)

Farm-to-Table School Program Assignment

The student goal, based upon a rural county scenario, is to research the challenges of rural child nutrition, in general and specific to your chosen county, describe a farm-to-table program for your school district, and write a mission and goal. The student must cite all materials in proper AMA format and include 700-800 words. (CLOs: B, C, F, G, H)

SWOT Analysis Assignment

The student goal is to complete the SWOT analysis and evaluation of social media for nutrition information and report on challenges of the population. The student must cite all materials in proper AMA format and include 700-800 words. (CLOs: A, B, C, D)

Workplace Wellness & Nutrition Program Assignment

The student will analyze the relationship between productivity and health in the workplace, research some of the companies that have successfully implemented health programming in the workplace, and discuss how an individual might be able to continue to intervene with SMART objectives. The student must cite all materials in proper AMA format and include 700-800 words. (CLOs: A, D, F, G)

Reflection Assignment

Student will complete a guided reflection of the class, considering personal growth, barriers and challenges, and applicable biblical principles. Assignment should be 600-700 words in length and include two or more references. (CLOs: A, E, H)