The director of the department shall appoint a registered dietitian as a public health nutritionist. The appointment of the public health nutritionist may not be required unless funding for the position is available. The public health nutritionist shall:
(1) establish a program of public education and technical assistance for programs that provide food assistance; and
(2) provide technical assistance to the governor's advisory council on aging; and
(3) provide technical assistance to health care and public health agencies.