The LSU AgCenter is strengthening its programs on human nutrition, Chancellor Bill Richardson said during a forum on childhood obesity in New Orleans Sept. 29.

“We are the producers of food in the state, and there are so many good positive choices people can make,” Richardson said. “I think our programs are helping to produce good quality and nutritious foods, and our employees work with families on how to purchase, prepare and serve a balanced diet that meets the nutritional needs of the families without creating obesity issues.”

The AgCenter is focusing more of its resources on nutrition outreach programs, Richardson said. “We will build a close working relationship with the Pennington Biomedical Research Center to get more of their research information into the hands of users, and we think we can be a great conduit to make this happen.”

“Our people will be more focused on what we do and do best, that’s human nutrition,” he said.

The role of the AgCenter will remain critical because we’re the ones who will interpret the information, Richardson said. “What’s written in a scientific article is not going to be read by a family with limited education and resources.”

The AgCenter promotes healthy eating, physical activity and healthy lifestyles with programs such as Smart Bodies, Smart Choices, 4-H Healthy Living and school gardening, said LSU AgCenter Smart Bodies coordinator Denise Holston.

These programs are offered throughout the state, and they all could be part of the New Orleans childhood obesity prevention efforts, she said.

“I definitely think that the LSU AgCenter should be a key player in these regional efforts because we work closely with the citizens and parish communities as a whole, plus we have great programs already in place,” Holston said.

“Our 4-H program is helping kids accept more responsibility for their own health, which is a direct connection with character education,” said Bertina McGhee, LSU AgCenter agent in New Orleans.

School gardens are proving to be a good way to start children on the path toward proper nutrition, but many schools are struggling to find the resources to even get a school garden started, McGhee said.

“We are working directly with two school gardens in the city where we have helped them to build their garden and trained their students to work with the garden” she said.

The New Orleans meeting is helping to pull resources together to see who has what, who is doing what and see how we can better utilize resources for collaborating and partnering to truly make a difference, McGhee said.

“We’re working together with all of the agencies and all of the organizations that are involved in health, wellness, nutrition and physical activity who are working with our youth and working with our families,” McGhee said. “We have so many programs that focus on reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity as well as working with youth.”

New Orleans is not the only area in the state where childhood obesity has become a priority, Holston said. “We’re seeing these efforts in several regions including Baton Rouge, which has the ‘Healthier BR’ effort that is also partnering with the LSU AgCenter.”

Johnny Morgan