Here’s a brief list of what Community Nutritionists do:

• Nutrition Education: Develop and deliver nutrition education programs, workshops, and seminars for community members, schools, workplaces, and other groups.

• Public Health Advocacy: Advocate for policies and programs that promote healthy eating habits, food security, and nutrition-related wellness initiatives within the community.

• Community Outreach: Engage with diverse populations to assess nutrition needs, preferences, and barriers to healthy eating, and develop culturally appropriate interventions.

• Food Access Programs: Collaborate with local organizations, food banks, and government agencies to improve access to nutritious foods through community gardens, farmers' markets, and food assistance programs.

• Health Promotion: Design and implement health promotion campaigns and initiatives focused on preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease through improved nutrition.

• Group Facilitation: Facilitate support groups, cooking classes, and wellness programs to promote behavior change and empower individuals to make healthy food choices.

• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Partner with healthcare providers, community leaders, educators, and policymakers to address nutrition-related issues and promote population health.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Education Requirements:

• Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Obtain a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health nutrition, community nutrition, or a related field from an accredited university or college. Ensure your coursework includes subjects like nutrition science, public health principles, community nutrition, and health promotion.

• Coursework: Focus on courses that prepare you for community-based nutrition interventions, health education, and population health.

2. Complete an Accredited Dietetic Internship (DI):

• After completing your bachelor’s degree, you must apply for and complete an accredited dietetic internship (DI) program. These programs typically last around 6 to 12 months and provide supervised practice in community nutrition settings.

• Accredited DI programs are competitive, so gaining relevant experience during your undergraduate studies and demonstrating a commitment to community nutrition is beneficial.

3. Pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians:

• Upon completing your DI program, you are eligible to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Passing this exam is required to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), which is essential for working as a community dietitian.

• The exam covers various aspects of nutrition and dietetics, including principles of dietetics, nutrition care for individuals and groups, management of food and nutrition programs, and foodservice systems.

4. Obtain State Licensure (If Applicable):

• Depending on the state in which you plan to work, licensure may be required for dietitians. Check with your state’s licensing board for specific requirements and procedures.

5. Gain Professional Experience:

• After becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), gain professional experience in community nutrition settings such as public health departments, community health centers, non-profit organizations, schools, or wellness programs.

• Work under the supervision of experienced community dietitians to learn about health promotion, nutrition education, program planning, and evaluation, and collaboration with community stakeholders.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!