Good nutrition and safe food handling are essential to maintaining health, preventing illness, and supporting quality of life. 

This course helps caregivers understand what good nutrition looks like and how to safely prepare, store, and serve food to reduce the risk of infection. Learners will explore USDA nutrition guidelines, essential nutrients, portion sizes, and the signs of poor nutrition. 

The course also covers how to accommodate special diets, plan nutritious meals efficiently, and provide hands-on assistance with eating. Caregivers are encouraged to apply these healthy principles not only to client care, but to their own well-being as well.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain USDA nutrition guidelines, including healthy food choices, food habits, and appropriate serving sizes

2. Describe essential nutrients and how the body processes them to maintain health

3. Recognize signs and symptoms of poor nutrition and understand their impact on client well-being

4. Apply safe food handling and food safety practices to prevent contamination and foodborne illness

5. Identify and accommodate special dietary needs, including therapeutic and culturally appropriate diets

6. Plan balanced, nutritious meals that save time while meeting client needs

7. Provide safe, respectful assistance with eating while supporting client dignity, choice, and independence