Overview

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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.

Syllabus

Orientation & Module 1 | Federal Programs to Address Food and Nutrition Security

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.

Module 2 | Application of Nutrition Policy in the Education Setting

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?

Module 3 | Application of Nutrition Policy in Non-Educational Settings

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.

Module 4 | Impact of Nutrition Policies on Public Health

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.