Search
Download Publication ID:
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.
The LSU AgCenter’s Nutrition & Community Health program in Tensas Parish works to improve residents’ well-being through education and initiatives that encourage healthy eating, physical activity, and chronic disease prevention. The Flavors of Health Nutrition Agent offers guidance on setting realistic goals, making small lifestyle changes, and choosing nutritious foods to support long-term healthy habits. Tensas Parish faces serious health challenges, ranking among the lowest in Louisiana for health outcomes, with high rates of obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, and food insecurity. Through education and environmental improvements, the program aims to create a healthier, more resilient community.
Programming focuses on gardening, community service, and STEM. Programs emphasizing gardening as a source of local food and learning different ways to prepare and serve foods are implemented in Tensas Parish. Families are provided with tools needed to choose healthier eating patterns and physical activity. Jr. Leader Meetings focus on leadership, and the importance of community service. 4 youth serve on the NE Leadership Board. STEM activities are provided in elementary 4-H meetings and enrichment programs. Obesity is a problem in Tensas and 4-H is addressing the issue with programs including summer school activities, workshops, and the Progressive Ag Safety Day. The REI Grant is allowing youth access to swimming lessons and nature activities.
With an agricultural driven economy, Tensas Parish producers use all available resources to support themselves and the local economy. Crop production demonstrations, workshops, social media, and field days are held. Master Farmer field days, workshops and trainings are held annually to demonstrate Best Management Practices (BMPs) to producers and landowners. Research and demonstration projects showcased BMPs impact energy on soil, water, plant, animal, and air quality issues. Horticulture programming in Tensas Parish consists of annual field days, workshops, Delta Master Gardener plant sales, volunteer development, farmer’s market outreach, and collaborations with 4-H and FCS programs to provide technical assistance and outreach to home gardeners.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media, workshops, presentations, videos, trainings and summer school programs. Regular coalition meetings and nutrition education lessons
107 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Master Horseman, family and community
LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Tensas Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $527,002; aquaculture and wildlife, $656,015; plant enterprises, $130,137,947.
Land area — 603 square miles; Population —3,844; Population under 18 years old — 21%; Population 65 years old and over — 30.1%; Median household income — $36,074; Persons below poverty — 30.8%
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.
Tensas Parish Profile January 2026pdf / 0.34MB