October Calendar

• 1 - NEW Story at Baskin Story Walk - Baskin Community Park
• 11 - Black Bayou Fall Celebration - Black Bayou Wildlife Refuge, Monroe - 10 am to 1 pm
• 13 - Story Time at the Sunken Gardens - Kiroli Park, West Monroe - 1:30 pm
• 13 - Independent Living and Life Skills for Teens - Lyfe Skills Collaboration, Winnsboro - 10 am
• 15 - Youth Fitness Fun Day - Highland Park, West Monroe - 9 am
• 17 - Blender Bike - Children's Museum, Monroe - 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
• 18 - Kiroli Park 100th Birthday Celebration - Kiroli Park, West Monroe - 11 am to 2 pm
• 25 - MERIT Special Needs Adults Fun Day - Food and Physical Activity - 10 am to Noon

Kids Corner

by Markaye Russell

After-school Tips for Parents: Supporting Your Child's Growth Beyond the Classroom

The school day may end in the afternoon but learning and development continue long after the final bell rings. As a parent, your role in supporting your child’s after-school routine can make a big difference in their academic success, emotional well-being, and overall growth.

Here are eight practical tips:

1. Create a consistent routine.
2. Offer nutritious snacks.
3. Encourage physical activity.
4. Designate a homework zone.
5. Limit screen time.
6. Stay connected.
7. Explore enrichment opportunities.
8. Make time for family.

Farewell to SNAP-Ed: Honoring 30 Years of Impact in Northeast Louisiana

by Quincy L. Vidrine

On October 1, 2025, the LSU AgCenter’s SNAP-Ed program will come to a close following the elimination of federal funding. This marks the end of a 30-year journey of providing nutrition education and promoting healthy living across Louisiana, including right here in the Northeast region. From classrooms and senior centers to farmers markets and libraries, SNAP-Ed has been a trusted resource for helping individuals and families make informed choices about their health. The program’s reach and impact have been significant, and we are proud of the relationships built and the lives touched through this work.

While this change brings understandable disappointment, it also offers a moment to reflect on the legacy of SNAP-Ed in our communities. The dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our partners, and the resilience of our participants have made this program more than just a series of lessons—it became a movement toward better health.

Though SNAP-Ed is ending, the LSU AgCenter’s commitment to nutrition and community health remains strong. We are actively exploring new ways to carry on and enhance programming, partnerships, and creative approaches to continue supporting health & wellness across the region.

To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. Your support and collaboration have made a lasting difference, and we look forward to what’s next.

Recipe of the Month

by Summer Broadway

Beef and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 can low sodium beef broth (14.5 oz)
• 1 can sliced carrots, drained (14.5 oz)
• 1 can no salt added cut green beans (14.5 oz)
• 1 can no salt added stewed tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup cooked egg noodles

Directions

1. In a 4-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, stirring frequently. Remove beef with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic in the remaining drippings until tender crisp.
3. Add beef broth, carrots, green beans, stewed tomatoes, basil, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in cooked egg noodles and serve hot.

Yield: 6 servings

This recipe is part of the Cans Get You Cooking initiative, which promotes the use of canned foods as a smart, sustainable, and nutritious choice for families everywhere.

SNAP-Ed Closing Credits

by Cathy Agan and Tara Garlington

Take a look back at some of our favorite SNAP-Ed scenes throughout the years!