Monica Freeman, if you want to get paid to write professionally in those areas, it may help to establish some clips and bylines. You can do this by starting a personal blog or by publishing right here on Medium (and you might even get paid if you do!).

Once you have a couple of clips you could start pitching the cooking and health sites you frequent and linking to your past posts so the editors can get a feel for your work.

If you’re good at research, you may also try content writing, which is how many folks initially break into the industry. If you’re on Facebook you might be interested in a group of content writers I’m part of. Just find me there and send me a friend request and I’ll add you. It’s really helpful and full of legitimate job opportunities.

Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with the AWAI, but if you inquire about them via the Facebook group there may be someone who is.