January Calendar

• Read & Ride KICK-Off in Caldwell, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and Union
• 13th - Food for the Soul - Louise Williams Library, Swartz 1 pm
• 14th - Cancer Prevention Series - Delhi Hospital Classroom, Delhi 10 am
• 15th - Dining with Diabetes - West Carroll Extension Office, Oak Grove 10:30 am
• 17th - Learning Lab Knife Skills, Winnsboro 10 am
• 21st - Cancer prevention Series - Delhi Hospital Classroom, Delhi 10 am
• 24th - Exercise Class for Seniors - Delhi Public Library, Delhi 10 am
• 27th - Learning Lab Knife Skills - Caldwell Parish Library, Columbia 1 pm
• 28th - Cancer Prevention Series - Delhi Hospital Classroom, Delhi 10 am

Kids' Corner

by Ana Gouge

Gather your family for a walking scavenger hunt!

Check off each item you find:

• Christmas tree
• Snowman
• Ugly Christmas sweater
• Christmas star
• Wreath
• Christmas lights
• Santa
• Gingerbread house
• Angel
• Reindeer

FromUnderaPalmTree.com

Introducing Read and Ride in Northeast Louisiana

by Jocinda Jackson-Jones

In an innovative effort to combat childhood obesity and promote literacy, the Nutrition & Community Health (NCH) Agents are launching the "Read and Ride" pilot program across Caldwell, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and Union Parishes. This initiative, generously funded by the Living Well Foundation, aims to provide both urban and rural communities with unique opportunities to engage in physical activity while fostering a love for reading.

The "Read and Ride" program equips schools and libraries with fitness bikes that have attached desks, allowing students to read and ride simultaneously. This dual-purpose approach not only encourages physical activity but also makes reading an enjoyable and dynamic experience. The program includes a variety of educational resources and challenges designed to motivate children to participate actively. The primary goal of the "Read and Ride" initiative is to increase the time students spend in physical activity while nurturing their reading habits. By integrating stationary bikes specifically designed for reading and exercising, the program addresses the pressing issue of childhood obesity in the region. The initiative also aims to track and evaluate activity levels and participation through incentives for both teachers and students, ensuring sustained engagement and measurable outcomes.

Each participating school and site will benefit from a comprehensive program developed by the LSU AgCenter Nutrition & Community Health Agents. Teachers and site managers will receive training and resources to effectively implement the program, fostering a supportive environment for students. Additionally, a multi-parish challenge will encourage schools to compete for the highest mileage and reading time, adding an element of fun and competition to the initiative.

Research underscores the effectiveness of the "Read and Ride" program in combating childhood obesity, which is linked to numerous adult health problems, including chronic diseases, substance misuse, disordered eating behaviors, mental health issues, and low self-esteem. By providing innovative and engaging opportunities for physical activity and literacy, the program aims to improve the overall well-being of youth and adults in Northeast Louisiana.

The "Read and Ride" initiative represents a significant step towards healthier, more active lifestyles for children in the region. With the support of the Living Well Foundation and the dedication of NCH Agents, this program promises to make a lasting impact on the health and education of young people in Caldwell, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and Union Parishes.

Recipe of the Month

by Cathy Agan

Ambrosia

• 1 - 20 ounce can pineapple chunks in juice, drained
• 1 1/3 cups mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 1/2 cups seedless grapes, washed
• 3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1/3 cup flaked coconut
• 8 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt

Combine fruit with marshmallows and coconut. Fold in yogurt. Chill before serving.

Yields: 8 servings

Source: www.choosemyplate.gov

Nutrition information per serving: 139 calories, 2 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 27 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, 26 g sugars, 4 g added sugars included

Welcome Our New Local Foods Systems Coordinator

Please welcome April Temple to the Northeast Region’s Nutrition and Community Health team. April recently joined the LSU AgCenter where she will serve as the Local Food Systems Coordinator. She has assignments with the CDC HOP grant as well as SNAP-Ed in select parishes providing educational programs and technical assistance. In her role as the Local Food Systems Coordinator, she is responsible for building partnerships with local producers, economic development groups, and food service directors to bring fresh, healthy food to communities in the Northeast and Northwest regions of Louisiana.

April is a Registered Dietitian and graduate of Louisiana Tech University. She has worked in both clinical and community settings. Before joining the LSU AgCenter, she served as the Director of Clinical Services for a local hospital monitoring the nutritional outcomes of patients and as the Child Nutrition Supervisor for local school systems where she fed a diverse population of children.

Her background in health care leadership and administering multiple, federal nutrition programs, such as the National School Lunch Program, has equipped her with a deep understanding of community health needs and effective program management. April is dedicated to creating a regional identity that supports local food systems, local farmers, and improves food distribution networks. April genuinely cares about the people she works with and the communities she serves. She said, “I am excited to be part of the LSU AgCenter and to work closely with so many individuals who are also enthusiastic about helping others.” April’s passion shines through in her efforts to educate and promote local food systems, making sure everyone knows the benefits of eating locally and supporting their community.

Her passion and dedication will make her an invaluable asset to the LSU AgCenter where she will continue to foster community engagement and support local food systems with innovative ideas and a helping hand. She can be reached at the Franklin office at 318-435-7551 or by email. Please feel free to reach out to her.