A Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Advisory Leadership Council (ALC) meeting for East Carroll Parish was held at the AgCenter Office on February 13, 2025, at 12:05 p.m.

Carolyn Robinson, Regional FCS and Nutrition Education Supervisor, began with an explanation of the meeting. She stated if anyone thinks of something we need to address, please let us know. Someone called her recently about cancer prevention and that might be something she can incorporate into her programming.

Mr. O.J. Jones opened the meeting with song and prayer.

Carolyn thanked everyone for coming. She informed them that their input is important, and if they are willing to serve on the council, to please sign the Roles and Responsibilities form.

At this point, everyone introduced themselves.

Carolyn said she’s led by a spirit as to what is needed for programming in the parish and that’s what she tries to do. Until we take our children back to the basics (going to church) we can’t get them back under control. We have Active Parenting classes available to parents on Wednesdays.

Someone in attendance mentioned that parents don’t start early enough trying to discipline their kids. They want to blame their bad behavior on ADHD and put them on medication.

Another person said the children believe they have ADHD because they are being told they have it at home.

Mr. Jones asked who the culprit is for the children’s bad behavior. The general response was something is missing in the womb. The young parents lack knowledge. We should start with the parents; we need to educate the mother and the father. The young mothers need to be trained in how to discipline their children without fear of going to jail. Social media outlets don’t help much.

Changing the subject, Carolyn briefly talked about families having or needing to make a plan for emergencies.

Theresa Sammons Bonner, Nutrition Educator Assistant, explained what she does in her role with the SU Ag Center. Her programming focuses mainly on MyPlate with physical activity. She usually prepares a healthy snack with her lessons and tailors the program information to the different age groups.

Carolyn advised about CHEF Camp, and everyone will be asked to help get the word out about it.

She asked if there was anything else that needed to be discussed. Mr. Jones asked what type of incentives are offered to children to get them to participate. They get to play and participate in activities, and they get to take home various items, such as from CHEF Camp – a backpack filled with small cooking items like measuring spoons, a rubber spatula, etc. On the last day of CHEF Camp, they get to cook for their parents and give them a jar of strawberry jam they made themselves.

Someone asked if CHEF Camp could be moved to another time during the summer. Carolyn replied that it’s hard to work around conflicting schedules.

The subject of parenting classes was brought back up. Carolyn said she could reach out to the judge and to Tommy Morant. Classes are available every week. Someone said they should be mandatory.

Mr. Jones asked how you can get respect from anyone. When the parents put the fear of God in the heart of the child. That works when the kids are with their parents, but when they are with their friends peer pressure takes over. Put the fear of God in the parents first. The kids need visual effects, like good Christian movies, ex: The Forge.

The main topics of the meeting:

1. Parenting
2. Nutrition
3. Gardening
4. Financial Management

Carolyn thanked everyone again and the meeting adjourned for the lunch meal of white chicken chili, salad, and banana pudding at 12:55 p.m.

FCS ALC Members