Cambrian College introduces new Nutrition and Food Service Management program – December 1

SUDBURY – Cambrian College is starting a new program to meet the growing demand for nutrition and food services professionals.

The two-year Nutrition and Food Service Management diploma program begins in September of 2026. It is the only program of its kind in Northern Ontario.

The program prepares graduates for careers in nutrition and food management in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care homes, daycares, schools, correctional facilities, and community organizations.

“As our population ages and health-care needs intensify, the demand for qualified nutrition and food service professionals has never been higher,” says Janice Clarke, Cambrian College’s Vice-President Academic. This program equips students with the practical skills, clinical awareness, and leadership required to support patients, residents, and clients who rely on safe, nutritious, and personalized food services. It’s an important addition to Cambrian’s School of Health Sciences.”

The curriculum for Nutrition and Food Service Management aligns with the requirements for membership with the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM).

Students will learn how to oversee food service operations that meet strict health and safety standards. Students will also acquire the skills and expertise to develop menus and ensure food is prepared in a culturally appropriate fashion when required. Students will also learn how to support clients with specialized dietary needs, particularly in health care settings.

Students will gain practical, real-world experience by having their labs held in actual working kitchens, such as Cambrian’s Student Life Centre, long-term care homes, and community organizations. In the final semester, students will complete coursework online while serving a placement in a hospital or long-term care facility, where they will work alongside other health-care professionals. Students currently employed in health-care settings may be eligible to use existing work hours toward placement requirements.

In addition to a diploma, successful students will also earn a Safe Food Handler Certificate.

“Food and nutrition play a key role in every stage of health care, from recovery and rehabilitation to long-term wellness,” adds Rachel Steels, Dean of Cambrian’s School of Health Sciences and Emergency Services. “This program trains students to advocate for individuals with unique dietary needs and to manage the operations that keep facilities safe, efficient, and person-centred. Graduates will be well-prepared for rewarding and stable careers across the health sector.”

The Nutrition and Food Service Management diploma program is now open for applications. Learn more at www.cambriancollege.ca/NUTR.