Landry is an instrumental part of the St. Mary 4-H Healthy Living program and the implementation of Operation Cook.

Kathleen “Kathy” Landry has been involved in the Louisiana 4-H program for more than 40 years. Her involvement as a 4-H member instilled in her a spirit of service that continues to this day.

Landry started her 4-H career as a member more than 40 years ago in Iberia Parish, where she participated in several projects, from livestock to clothing. After finishing college, she returned to the 4-H program as an agent in St. Mary Parish. Following nine years as a 4-H agent she decided to teach in the school system. Even with the transition, she was still committed to 4-H and served as a volunteer.

“Working with Ms. Kathy has been one of the most rewarding experiences since being a 4-H agent,” said St. Mary 4-H Agent Adriana Drusini. “Kathy is always excited about helping the youth and has been an instrumental piece of all our healthy living programming. Kathy is the person you contact when in need of a volunteer, and she will be there. It does not matter if it is judging at the fair or helping train for a 4-H University contest.“

As a volunteer Landry has served in many roles, including club leader, advisory board member and chaperone, always making valuable contributions. After her retirement from the public school system, Landry shifted her attention to implementing a 4-H Club at the Chitimacha Tribal School. Through her work alongside the 4-H agents, a National 4-H Council grant was obtained and brought additional resources to the school to teach healthy living habits.

In 2016, through another grant, two schoolwide events were established. At the Healthy Habits Fun Day, students, faculty and staff participated in stations and activities focused on nutrition information, meal planning with MyPlate guidelines, table manners, etiquette and healthy snacks.

“The reason I continue to be a 4-H volunteer can be summed up in one word — rewarding,” Landry said. “As a volunteer leader, I have the pleasure of seeing youth grow and develop into responsible, capable and successful leaders. I truly believe that the 4-H program has opportunities for all youth to learn by doing. These rewards keep me coming back year after year.”

Given her passion for the healthy living project area, she also serves as an Operation Cook volunteer, working with agents and teens on workshops that focus on teaching healthy living, physical activity and food preparation.

Landry’s volunteer efforts extend to the state level as she served as a volunteer adviser to the Louisiana 4-H Food and Fitness Board, a teen leadership board working to offer outreach to others on the importance of nutrition and fitness. In this role, Landry modeled adult-youth partnership and advocated for youth voice. She has served for 10 years and represented Louisiana 4-H at two National 4-H Council grant trainings. She has served as chaperone to 4-H Club Congress and the 4-H educational trip.

“Ms. Kathy is an amazing volunteer and asset to the Food and Fitness Board,” said Annaclaire Zerangue, Louisiana 4-H Food and Fitness Board member. “She is always willing to lend a helping hand and inspires all of us to live healthy lifestyles and give back through service.”