(09/04/24) BATON ROUGE, La. — Extension agents from both the LSU and Southern University agricultural centers came together at the Baton Rouge Mariott to learn and create new connections at the Louisiana NCH Extension Conference Aug. 28 to 30.

On Aug. 29, attendees went to different presentations, luncheons and ceremonies to learn more about NCH — or nutrition and community health — programs and to connect with other agents they may not have met before.

This was largely the message from Krystle Allen, program leader for family and consumer sciences at the Southern University Ag Center, as she spoke about new funding that could come into the programs soon.

“We are now in the process of applying for a 10-year, almost $100 million NSF grant with Southern University and the LSU AgCenter,” Allen said. “And it started in the room. It started with a simple conversation. ‘What are you working on? How can we add capacity? I’m interested in the work that you’re doing.’”

Collaboration also was a main talking point for Caree Cotwright, director of nutrition security and health equity at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, who was the conference’s keynote speaker.

Cotwright, who previously worked at the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences, spoke about her upbringing in Atlanta and how it impacted her interests as both a professor and now an employee of the USDA.

Cotwright spoke about the impacts of institutional racism within American communities, emphasizing her interest in food security and availability. She also brought up why it was important for conferences like this one to happen because of the ideas that can be shared and the community that it builds, telling everyone to “get on the bus” of working together.

“I’m privileged to work in engaging partners like each of you here today on the frontlines of creating solutions on how we can really work collaboratively to solve our issues and our problems,” she said. “So it’s great work we we’re doing at USDA, and I invite you to get on the bus.”

Following Cotwright’s presentation, attendees went to breakout sessions, which featured a presentation on “Food Is Medicine” by the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank as well as information on the USDA MyPlate program.

After these sessions, the award ceremony brought everyone back together to honor agents who had the greatest impact on their communities in the past year. The LSU AgCenter and SU Ag Center both gave their own awards.

Carolyn Robinson and Theresa Sammons were given a Collaboration Award from the SU Ag Center for being the one parish that stood out in the way agents from the two institutions worked together. Allen hoped the award would motivate other parishes to emphasize collaboration.

Other programming Aug. 29 included a luncheon and speeches from leaders of both agricultural centers. Gina E. Eubanks, LSU AgCenter associate vice president and program Leader for nutrition and food sciences, spoke about wanting to further the connection between the two programs.

“When I’m sitting here listening, I see cooperation, I see collaboration, I see communication, and I tell you when we leave here and we need to see your commitment,” Eubanks said. “And we’re going to move forward in this effort to serve the citizens of Louisiana.”

LSU AgCenter awards:

Catherine Robinson EFNEP Nutrition Educator Award: Leona Camel

SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Award: Donna Landry

Outstanding Nutrition and Community Health Agent Award: Shakera Williams

Southern University Ag Center awards:

EFNEP Educator of the Year: Melody Coco

SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator of the Year: Theresa Sammons
Family and Human Sciences of the Year: Angell Jordan

Specialist and Director of the Year: Jasmine Plowe Matthew

The Collaboration Award: Carolyn Robinson and Theresa Sammons

Caree Cotwright speaks to attendees about her life and how it got her to where she is now. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter

LSU AgCenter and Southern University Ag Center leaders along with leaders from East Carroll Parish after the parish was awarded the Collaboration Award. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter