Orleans Parish Profile

About the LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter is dedicated to providing innovative research, information and education to improve people’s lives. Working in a statewide network of parish extension offices, research stations and academic departments, the LSU AgCenter helps Louisiana citizens make the best use of natural resources, protect the environment, enhance agricultural enterprises, and develop human and community resources.

Research and Extension Programs

Nutrition and Community Health

Nutrition and Community Health agents and educators are working to enhance the overall well-being of Orleans Parish residents. Through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, families with limited incomes learn practical strategies for eating healthily on a budget. The Flavors of Health (FOH) initiative focuses on community-based nutrition and wellness, offering classes and workshops on diverse topics that empower individuals and families to make informed choices about food and fitness. FOH combines Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions with evidence-based practices to address health challenges in our communities. We deliver in-person classes, presentations, workshops, and educational resources designed to promote healthier eating habits and active lifestyles.

4-H Youth Development

4-H Youth Development programs in Orleans Parish are committed to delivering creative initiatives that foster the positive growth and development of local youth. Over 700 young people have engaged in these programs through 20 active 4-H clubs located in schools, churches, community centers, and neighborhoods across the parish. In total, more than 2,000 youth have benefited from nearly 12,000 hours of enrichment activities led by AgCenter faculty and trained volunteers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

The LSU AgCenter greatly appreciates the contributions of its trained volunteers, particularly the Louisiana Master Gardeners. In the Greater New Orleans area, more than 319 individuals have completed training through AgCenter programs. These Master Gardeners share research-based gardening knowledge with residents, helping to beautify neighborhoods and teach practical skills in schools and community gardens.

Whom We Reach:

• Approximately 5,220 total youth: (4-H Youth Development, ANR, and NCH)
• Approximately 4,621 total adults- (ANR & NCH)

How We Reach Them:

4-H Clubs, local TV segments, AgMagic on the River, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, community outreach, demonstrations, web sites, social media and workshops.

Expanding our Efforts

66 4-H and NCH Volunteers, 361 Master Gardeners, family and community

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plants, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Orleans Parish residents. The total amount of dollars from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $2,297,280; fisheries and wildlife, $2,215,633; plant enterprises, $31,695,278.

Local Issues and Plans for This Year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Publish monthly GNO Gardening Magazine Articles
• Participate in local health and wellness fairs and events
• Publish webpage content on agriculture best practices
• Facilitate workshops and trainings on agriculture practices

Promote the wide use of natural resources and protection of the environment

• Conduct workshops on vegetable and home gardening
• Conduct workshops on different tree species and common tree diseases
• Develop and release short educational videos focused on horticulture
• Conduct home and site educational visits

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Build and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Encourage leadership and citizenship through 4-H activities
• Teach Financial Literacy using the LYFE curriculum
• Promote Healthy Living using researched based curriculum
• Promote career development and entrepreneurship activities through 4-H
• Promote STEM curriculum through 4-H

Strengthen families and communities

• Nutrition and Community Health clients will receive training on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget
• Conduct healthy cooking classes for youth and adults
• Teach classes to pregnant women and parents of infants to strengthen parents’ understanding of childrearing
• Provide nutrition education to youth and adults based on the Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate through EFNEP and Flavors of Health

How Is Extension Funded?

• Federal funding from the USDA/ NIFA
• State general funds from the Louisiana Legislature
• Local support from parish government, including police juries and school boards
• Self-generated funds

What Role Do You Play?

Our stakeholders at the parish level are the local supporters and beneficiaries of the LSU AgCenter cooperative extension programs. Their support keeps these critical programs in their communities.

Each Parish Offers Programming In:

• Nutrition and Community Health
• 4-H Youth Development
• Agriculture and Natural Resources