April Calendar

• 5th - Super Saturday - Children's Coalition Family Garden, Monroe - 10 am to Noon
• 5th - Autism Walk - State Office Building, Monroe - 9 am to 10 am
• 5th - Keep Louisiana Beautiful Clean Up Day - Main Street, Columbia - 9 am to 2 pm
• 5th - Spring Fling - Football Field Road, Crowville - 9 am to 3 pm
• 5th - Morehouse Parish Clean-up (Partnership with Keep Morehouse Beautiful)
• 9th - Walking Nutrition Education - WC Parish Extension Office, Oak Grove - 10 am to 11 am
• 10th - Spice of the Month (Garlic) - Louise Williams Library, Monroe - 1 pm
• 11th - Exercise Education - Library, Delhi - 10 am to 11 am
• 12th - Dragon Boat Festival - ULM, Monroe - 9 am to 4 pm
• 14th - Smoothie Bar - Louise Williams Library, Monroe - 5:30 pm
• 15th - School Garden Planting Day - Crowville - 3 pm to 5 pm
• 16th - Walking Nutrition Education - West Carroll Extension Office, Oak Grove - 10 am to 11 am
• 25th - Let's Eat Healthy - Franklin Parish MERIT, Winnsboro - 10 am to Noon
• 26th - Live Well Delta - Monroe Civic Center, Monroe - 9 am to 1 pm

Kids Corner

by Brittney Newsome

Food Fun: Discovering Our Favorite Dishes

Food has a magical way of bringing kids together, creating bonds and shared experiences. When kids share their favorite foods, they open up about their personal stories, family traditions, and cultural backgrounds. This sharing fosters understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity, as kids learn about different cuisines and the unique significance behind each dish. Whether it's a special meal cooked by a grandparent, a traditional holiday treat, or a favorite snack from a different country, food becomes a bridge that connects kids, helping them find common ground and celebrate their differences. Through these culinary connections, kids develop empathy, respect, and a sense of community, making food a powerful tool for building friendships and understanding.

March is National Nutrition Month

by April Temple

March is celebrated as National Nutrition Month®, a time to promote health and nutrition, and was initiated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 1973. This annual campaign encourages people of all ages to take small steps towards better nutrition and overall health. In Louisiana, approximately 38-40% of the population is obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and this is largely attributed to our rich, high-calorie cuisine!

The 2025 theme, “Food Connects Us,” highlights the cultural and familial influences on our food choices. We know it can be difficult to navigate the food scene at a large Louisiana “fais do-do” gathering full of rich traditions, delicious food, and lively music! Despite our love for flavorful foods, we can make simple changes to improve our diet, such as incorporating more fruits and vegetables into meals/snacks, choosing whole grains in place of highly processed grains, drinking water to stay hydrated and to eliminate extra calories from sugary drinks, opting for smaller portions, and including lean proteins that are baked or grilled. Try to adopt one or two of these tips in March to jumpstart a healthier you.

Increasing physical activity is also crucial since regular exercise helps with weight management, boosts your mood, strengthens muscles and bones, and improves heart health. Simple changes like taking the stairs, going for a brisk walk, or trying new activities like yoga or dancing can make a huge impact on how you feel. The goal is to find activities you enjoy so that staying active becomes a fun and sustainable part of your life. By making these small, manageable changes, you can achieve lasting improvements in your overall health and well-being.

Recipe of the Month

by Markaye Russell

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

• 1 1/2 cups fat free milk or soy milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup egg whites or egg substitute
• 1 tablespoon fat free margarine, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups chopped apples

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl mix the milk, brown sugar, egg whites or substitute, margarine, and cinnamon. In a larger bowl, combine oats and baking powder. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the oats; add apples and stir to combine. Spoon the mixture into 8 x 8-inch pan coated with cooking spray and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until top is firm and a toothpick comes out clean in the center.

Savoring the Moment

by Ana Gouge

Mindful eating is a practice that encourages individuals to be fully present and aware during their meals. It involves paying attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of food, as well as recognizing hunger and fullness cues. This approach can transform the way we eat and improve our overall well-being.

Mindful eating is about slowing down and savoring each bite. It means eating without distractions, such as watching TV or scrolling through your phone. By focusing on the experience of eating, you can develop a deeper appreciation for your food and make healthier choices.

Are you interested in testing out mindful eating? Start small with one meal and work to eliminate distractions. Listen to your body and try to savor each bite.

Check out these websites for more information:

The Nutrition Source - Mindful Eating

Massachusetts General Hospital - How to Start a Mindful Eating Practice