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There are 4 modules in this course
This course, "U.S. Nutrition Policies and Implications," offers an exploration into federal food assistance programs and their impact on food security and public health nutrition. Over four modules, you'll delve into the scope and benefits of programs like WIC, SNAP, and CACFP, and understand the critical role of food pantries and emergency food assistance. You'll also examine the application of nutrition policies in educational and non-educational settings, including workplaces and healthcare environments. Led by Illinois instructors Dr. Saima Hasnin and Dr. Krystal Hodge, you'll embark on a journey through U.S. nutrition policy and implications, guided by expert guest lecturers from across the nation. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to identify policy gaps, understand the challenges in U.S. nutrition policy, and explore the implications of nutrition policies on public health and well-being.
This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit: https://acesonline.illinois.edu.
You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. Module 1 of the course will introduce you to the various federal food assistance programs, such as WIC, SNAP, and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and explain their scope, purpose, and benefits. Additionally, you'll learn about emergency food assistance programs, including food banks and the USDA's TEFAP, with insights from guest lecturer Mr. Steve Ericson from Feeding Illinois. Let's dive in and explore how these programs work to ensure food security for all.
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations•5 minutes
Congregate and Home Meal Delivery Programs•5 minutes
Food Banks and Pantries•5 minutes
The USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Other Distribution Programs •4 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer | Mr. Steve Ericson | Feeding Illinois•10 minutes
Module Summary & Key Takeaways•3 minutes
6 readings•Total 105 minutes
Syllabus•15 minutes
Learn More About Flexible Pathways•10 minutes
Updating Your Profile•10 minutes
The Impact of SNAP on Health Outcomes•30 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer Bio | Mr. Steve Ericson•10 minutes
Food Banks & Farm Bill Programs Addressing Hunger in the U.S.•30 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
Orientation Quiz•30 minutes
Module 1 | Quiz •30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Getting to Know Your Classmates•10 minutes
Module 2 | Application of Nutrition Policy in the Education Setting
3 hours to complete
Module details
In Module 2, you will learn about a few nutrition policy programs, including the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Universal School Meal Program, and the Summer Nutrition Program. Then, Dr. Susan Sisson will teach learners about the use of and policy gaps within the CACFP in tribal childcare setting. Lastly, you will have the pleasure of hearing about nutrition policy regarding college students from expert guest lecturer Cydney M. McGuire, an Assistant Professor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington. Ready to dig in and learn about how these nutritional policies positively benefit students in educational settings?
What's included
10 videos4 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
10 videos•Total 43 minutes
Module Overview•2 minutes
Introducing the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)•5 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer | Dr. Susan Sisson, PhD, RDN, CHES, FACSM | CACFP Policy Gap and Implications•9 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer | Dr. Susan Sisson, PhD, RDN, CHES, FACSM | CACFP in the Tribal Childcare Setting•7 minutes
Introducing the National School Lunch Program•4 minutes
Introducing the School Breakfast Program•2 minutes
Introducing the Universal School Meals Program•5 minutes
Introducing the Summer Nutrition Program•3 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer | Dr. Cydney M. McGuire | Nutrition Policy on College Campuses•4 minutes
Module Summary & Key Takeaways•2 minutes
4 readings•Total 80 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer Bio | Dr. Susan Sisson, PhD, RDN, CHES, FACSM•10 minutes
Policy Adoption Map for the Universal School Meals Program•30 minutes
USDA's School and Childcare Meals•30 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer Bio | Dr. Cydney M. McGuire•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 2 | Quiz •30 minutes
Module 3 | Application of Nutrition Policy in Non-Educational Settings
2 hours to complete
Module details
In Module 3, you will gain an understanding of how nutrition policy is implemented in various non-educational settings, including the workplace, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and more. This module also highlights important legislation such as the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act, introduced by guest lecturer Dr. Justine Karduck, and gives insight into nutrition policy that aims to protect vulnerable consumers, such as children. Venture on to learn more about these important health care policies that protect settings and consumers outside of educational settings.
What's included
10 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
10 videos•Total 53 minutes
Module Introduction•2 minutes
Introducing the Workplace Nutrition Policy and Programming•7 minutes
Introducing the Federal Food Service Guidelines•5 minutes
Cost-benefit Analysis of Workplace Nutrition Policy and Programming•5 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer | Dr. Justine Karduck, PhD, RDN, LDN, CDCES | Introducing the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act•9 minutes
Nutrition Policy for Kids' Meals at Restaurants•5 minutes
Health Claim Statements on Food Labels•6 minutes
Digital Food Marketing to Children – A Policy Gap•6 minutes
Module Summary & Key Takeaways•2 minutes
2 readings•Total 40 minutes
Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities•30 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer Bio | Dr. Justine Karduck, PhD, RDN, LDN, CDCES•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 3 | Quiz •30 minutes
Module 4 | Impact of Nutrition Policies on Public Health
5 hours to complete
Module details
In Module 4, from sugary drink policies to SNAP-Education, you will explore the effect of different nutrition policies on public health. You will also become familiar with the role of the government in implementing these nutrition policies, as well as some of the barriers and opportunities those policies present. Join us in our final module with guest lecturers Dr. Jennie Davis, Dr. Jennifer McCaffrey, Dr. Shellye Suttles, and Mr. Blake Connolly to see how public health is affected by these important nutrition policies.
What's included
11 videos8 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
11 videos•Total 62 minutes
Module Overview•1 minute
Expert Guest Lecturer | Dr. Jennie Davis, PhD, RDN | Introducing Sugary Drink Policies in the U.S.•9 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer | Dr. Jennie Davis, PhD, RDN | Sugary Drinks Policies: Impacts on Public Health and Consumption Behaviors•7 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer | Dr. Jennifer McCaffrey, PhD, MPH, RD | Impact of SNAP-Education in Illinois•6 minutes
Role of Government Policy in Nutrition - Barriers to and Opportunities for Healthier Eating•6 minutes
Equity in Nutrition Policy•5 minutes
Expert Guest Lecturer | Dr. Shellye Suttles | Challenges in SNAP Implementation•7 minutes
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Can this Coursera course count towards a certificate or degree?
Yes! Although completion of the Coursera course alone is not credit-bearing, it is a required component of a graduate-level Canvas course that can be "stacked" toward advanced credentials such as an academic (transcriptable) graduate certificate or a degree (external website). If you decide to pursue further education, the credits you earn from this course can be applied toward a formal academic program, provided that you meet all the requirements of admission to the certificate or degree.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.