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(03/02/26) BATON ROUGE, La. — Across the state, in libraries, community centers and schools, LSU AgCenter nutrition and community health agents are providing nutrition education that is improving health outcomes for Louisiana residents. Nutrition is a pillar of the AgCenter, and during March’s National Nutrition Month, that pillar is in the spotlight.
Nutrition and community health agents, many of whom are registered dietitians, aim to help Louisianans make informed, budget-smart food choices and build healthy habits that last.
“All of our curriculum, all the information we are getting out into the community, is research-based,” said Elizabeth Martin, LSU AgCenter community health and nutrition agent and registered dietitian in Caddo Parish. “We make sure we stay up to date on all the latest research.”
Programs such as Healthy Communities, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), Dining with Diabetes, Break Up with Salt and Build a Healthy Meal, help communities and participants navigate a complicated health landscape — not with quick fixes and fads — but with sound nutrition advice.
The AgCenter’s evidenced-based approach is powered by professionals with advanced training.
“A registered dietitian is the highest nutrition credential there is,” said Abigail McAlister, LSU AgCenter nutrition and community health agent and a registered dietitian.
Martin added, “Having registered dietitians as nutrition and community health agents, gives us a firm foundation in the research behind nutrition and how we can promote health and healthy choices with our communities.”
From chronic disease prevention to family nutrition, agents translate science into everyday skills to create a healthier population.
The program A Taste of Herbs and Spices aims to reduce salt intake by helping consumers incorporate different spices and herbs into their diets. Each month features a new herb or spice and encourages local food traditions and gardening.
Shakera Williams, LSU AgCenter nutrition and community health agent for Webster and Claiborne parishes, created the program A Taste of Herbs and Spices, which encourages home cooks to use more herbs and spices and less salt in meals. Photo by R. Thompson
Markaye Russell, LSU AgCenter nutrition and community health agent in Ouachita Parish, hosts a cooking demonstration at Union General Hospital. LSU AgCenter file photo
Last year, through the program, 2,175 herb and spice samples were distributed throughout Ouachita and Union parishes. Program participants reported positive changes such as increased use of herbs and spices in cooking, reduced reliance on salt for seasoning and enhanced flavor in meals.
“We use the current nutrition research to lay that foundation and groundwork and really go through a rigorous process before bringing a curriculum out in the state,” McAlister said.
EFNEP participants reported improved health and habits after taking classes.
An anonymous participate wrote in a survey, “I try my very hardest to stick to eating a variety of foods, like chicken, turkey, popcorn, lots of fruits and vegetables, very few sodas and plenty of water. When I went to my doctor for a checkup, he was very pleased with my weight loss, and I plan to continue eating my new diet and walking regularly.”
After completing a series of nutrition lessons, a youth participant was able to build a healthy plate and help his mom plan and prepare his meals to fit his diet. The participant said, “My A1C is at a good level, and I know it’s because I’m learning nutrition.”
Nutrition work doesn’t end at the dinner table. Agents are also helping to remove red tape for Complete Streets projects in small rural communities.
The LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities team worked with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Center for Planning Excellence to make complete streets funding more accessible for rural communities. As a result, Transportation Alternatives Program applications for communities under 5,000 residents increased more than 500% in just one funding cycle.
Helping residents eat healthier and be more physically active while simultaneously building healthy, thriving communities across Louisiana can prevent chronic disease, support reduced healthcare costs, improve workforce productivity and lead to an enhanced quality of life for everyone in our state.
National Nutrition Month is a campaign by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. You can find a nutrition and community health agent in your area by visiting, https://tinyurl.com/FindYourAgCenterAgent.
At right, Mandy Armentor, LSU AgCenter nutrition and community health agent, helped with a Compete Streets demonstration in Abbeville, Louisiana. AgCenter agents help rural communities get funding to extend sidewalks and pedestrian paths. Photo by Ruthie Losavio
