Assumption Parish – Marais Park Playground Project
In Assumption Parish, students from Labadieville Middle School partnered with LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed agent Maria Gonzales, the Center for Planning Excellence, and the LSU Playground Project to revitalize Marais Park. Together, they developed a connectivity plan to improve pedestrian safety and make the park a more appealing destination for walking and play. With support from Humana, new playground equipment was purchased and installed during a two-day community build in July 2025, led by a certified playground installer. The project not only encourages active play for all ages but also highlights the power of youth voices in shaping healthier environments. Marais Park is now a well-loved space maintained by the Assumption Parish Police Jury, with plans for future improvements to support physical activity in the Supreme community.
Caldwell Parish – Clarks Central Park Improvements
In Clarks, Louisiana, the community came together to transform Central Park into a healthier, more welcoming space. With help from local donors, grants, and the LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed program, the park now features upgraded playground equipment, 80% of which is ADA accessible, a Story Walk that promotes reading and exercise, and a Blessings Box filled with books, food, and personal care items. These improvements have led to a noticeable increase in park use and community engagement, giving families more opportunities to be active, read together, and access helpful resources.
Franklin Parish – Lettuce Crunch Garden Success
At Crowville Elementary in Franklin Parish, students got a fresh taste of healthy eating through “The Great Lettuce Crunch,” a hands-on garden and nutrition event led by the LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed team. With support from local partners, students in grades 3–5 sampled different types of lettuce and learned about adding vegetables to their meals. Over 75% gave the lettuce a thumbs-up, and nearly half said they’d eat it again. The school garden, supported by grants and volunteers, continues to give students the chance to grow and taste fresh produce, helping them build healthier habits in a fun and engaging way.
Lincoln Parish – Farmers Market Teaching Kitchen Impact
Madi Horne, a SNAP-Ed agent in Lincoln Parish, made a big impact by offering free cooking classes at the Ruston Farmers Market’s teaching kitchen. Her lessons focused on easy, affordable, and healthy recipes using local seasonal ingredients to help participants gain confidence in the kitchen. From college students to older adults, many attendees tried new foods and learned practical skills like knife safety and food budgeting. Madi’s work helped bust myths about healthy eating and created lasting change by showing that cooking nutritious meals can be simple and accessible for everyone.
Natchitoches Parish – Campti Stencil Project
At Fairview Alpha Elementary in Campti, Louisiana, a stencil project turned a plain walking track into a colorful, interactive space that encourages movement and learning. With help from LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed agent Erin Stockton, local 4-H agents, and 4-H junior leaders, stencils featuring hopscotch, numbers, and letters were painted to promote physical activity and reinforce academic skills. Students now enjoy a fun and engaging way to stay active during the school day, and the school plans to keep the stencils fresh and integrated into daily routines.
Northeast Louisiana – Read and Ride Program
To help kids stay active and improve literacy, LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed agents in Northeast Louisiana launched the Read and Ride pilot program in schools and libraries across Union, Ouachita, Franklin, Caldwell, and Richland parishes. The program installed stationary bikes with desks so students and library patrons can read while riding. In Ouachita Parish alone, 347 students logged over 30,000 minutes of activity, and nearly half tried a new fruit or vegetable during their schools’ Read and Ride Challenge. Librarians reported increased physical activity, and the program is set to expand in the 2025–2026 school year.
Ouachita Parish – Community Wellness Pantry
In Monroe, Louisiana, a new outdoor pantry at the Children’s Coalition Family Garden is helping fight food insecurity. Created through a partnership with Ouachita Parish SNAP-Ed, 4-H, and other local groups, the pantry includes an insulated cooler for fresh produce and is stocked with garden extras and donated food. Located near a shelter and bus station, the pantry is always accessible and quickly used by those in need. Plans are in place to track food distribution and keep the pantry stocked long-term, supporting a healthier and well-nourished community.
Rapides Parish – Clifton Choctaw Partnership
In Rapides Parish, LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed agent Jennifer Duhon partnered with the Clifton Choctaw Tribe to promote health and wellness through culturally tailored, hands-on activities. Over 100 tribal members participated in cooking classes and nutrition lessons like the “Meal in a Mug” series for elders, a “Hungry Caterpillar” MyPlate lesson for kids, and nutritious spins on Native American dishes like fry bread. A “Silly Walking Track” along the tribe’s walking trail supported family fitness and child literacy while a Three Sisters Soup video project was created with a tribal youth leader. This growing partnership blends tradition with healthy habits, helping nourish both individuals and the tribal community.
Washington Parish – Growing Vegetable Soup
In Washington Parish, SNAP-Ed nutrition
educator Tammy Montgomery worked with Nellie Byers Educational Center to create
a container garden for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The garden gave participants hands-on experience with growing cucumbers,
tomatoes, and herbs, which led to participants eating more vegetables and being
more physically active. By using simple communication tools and visual aids,
Tammy helped participants understand nutrition and plant life cycles. The
garden not only improved health but also boosted confidence and created a sense
of accomplishment among the 30 participants.
Webster Parish – Cooking Up Memories Together
In Webster Parish, families came
together to learn healthy cooking skills through SNAP-Ed classes at the Central
Community Center in Dubberly, Louisiana. Led by nutrition educator Brittany Hudson and agent
Dr. Shakera Williams, the program focused on building stronger family bonds and
healthier habits through shared mealtimes. Parents and children worked side by
side to prepare nutritious meals using simple, affordable ingredients. The
program reached about 30 participants and helped families gain confidence in
the kitchen while making lasting memories around the dinner table.
