Hear from the Director of Nutrition and Professional Services at mijava Corporation of Canada

Name: Tammy Lomond

Title: Director of Nutrition and Professional Services

Company: mijava Corporation of Canada

Years worked in current role: under 1 year

Years of experience in food industry: 12

In 300 characters or less describe your job:

My position with mijava involves two roles. 1). I help develop and manage menus for healthcare organizations including long-term care and hospitals, as well as childcare facilities. I also provide menu reviews and recommendations to meet any required ministry standards. 2). I provide online nutrition health coaching to individuals and families.

What are the top 3 characteristics you need to be good at your job:

• Attention to Detail: Healthcare menus, especially long-term care menus, can be complex and there are many standards that must be met. Creating and revising menus that are appealing, meet all required standards and fall within a cost allowance, is like putting together big puzzle!
• Communication: In nutrition coaching, the ability to communicate nutrition messages clearly, in a simple and realistic format, is very important in helping clients realize their nutrition goals.
• Discipline: This job is 100% home-based. You must have discipline to keep yourself focused and motivated while working at home.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in food?

I was always interested in the health field and eating healthy, and nutrition is something that affects everyone. I enjoy keeping things simple and real and showing clients how easy it can be to eat healthy.

Top 3 advice tips for students and new grads coming into the industry

1. Be open to opportunities. You never know who may become your next employer or client.
2. Network. There are many food related jobs that you won’t find posted on job banks.
3. Always be professional.

Tell us why your Food Job Rocks?

I work with a great team.

I work in 2 areas of nutrition that I enjoy, menu planning and nutrition coaching.

I love the flexibility and autonomy of working from home.

Favourite quote?

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.  Albert Einstein