Ten of the 12 graduates of the Master Nutrition class who graduated Jan. 12 in Alexandria include seated, from left, Ginger Humbles, Donna Mathews, Katherine Wynn and Helen Jeffares, and standing, from left, Susan Babineaux, Melody Coco, Kimberly Roberts, Johnnie Hart, Diane Tracy, Frances Andrews and LSU AgCenter instructor Quincy Cheek. (Photo by Mary Ann Van Osdell. Click on photo for downloadable image.)

News Release Distributed 01/19/11

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Twelve people were certified as Master Nutrition volunteers after completing an LSU AgCenter program Jan. 12.

They are qualified to teach nutrition programs after taking six five-hour sessions last fall, said Quincy Cheek, an LSU AgCenter regional family and consumer sciences coordinator.

The Master Nutrition program is modeled after the very popular Master Gardener program, Cheek said. After extensive training, Master Nutrition volunteers are certified to teach basic nutrition and food safety lessons to the public.

Many volunteers will work with Head Start, elementary schools and senior centers in the community. They provide a “backup” plan in areas such as Rapides Parish that are short-staffed and not able to cover every program need in the parish, Cheek said.

LSU AgCenter faculty trained the volunteers in areas such as wellness, exercise and fad diets, the MyPyramid food guidance system, dietary guidelines, serving sizes, nutrients, food labels, meal planning, modifying recipes and food safety.

Each volunteer also performed 15 hours of service and passed a test to become certified, Cheek said.

“The goal is a healthy Louisiana,” Cheek told the participants. “I have big plans for you.”

The volunteer-based network will use AgCenter curricula and materials, Cheek said.

Volunteer outreach opportunities this spring include food safety and hand washing for teens in foster care, Cause We Care Fair, the Louisiana College nurses forum, Central Region commodity cookery, the Louisiana Mayhaw Association conference and Hooray for Hand Washing in Rapides Parish elementary schools.

Newly graduated volunteer Ginger Humbles said the Master Nutrition designation will give her credibility in the community and in children’s classrooms.

“I’m a foodie, and I love to cook and do volunteer work in the community,” said volunteer Kitty Wynn. The program has “helped me expand my knowledge of food.”

Frances Andrews, who also is a Master Gardener, said she will combine the knowledge she has learned from both programs. “This was another step in learning to eat healthy,” Andrews said. Her garden will now include vegetables.

“I’ve learned how to eat healthier and lose weight,” said Donna Mathews.

Helen Jeffares said because her church is a designated hurricane shelter, she’ll use her knowledge to choose nutritious food that she can pick up in a hurry.

Kim Roberts, who works at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, said she learned how to cook foods that are easy to demonstrate. She said what she learned will be helpful in the Biggest Loser event with the hospital staff.

Susan Babineaux said she learned about nutrition and age groups and will be better able to help in volunteering with 4-H in hand washing and nutrition.

Cheek said she’ll offer continuing education to the Master Nutritionists quarterly.

Debbie Melvin, LSU agent in Lafourche Parish, conducted the Master Nutrition pilot program in 2004 for 10 weeks and graduated seven participants.

Mary Ann Van Osdell