LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed

After September 30, this page will no longer be active, as the LSU AgCenter’s SNAP-Ed program is coming to a close. We’re incredibly proud of the 30 years of work SNAP-Ed has done across Louisiana, and we’re leaving this page up as an archive to honor that legacy. You’ll still be able to browse past posts, resources, and photos that reflect the impact of SNAP-Ed in our communities. Thank you for being part of our journey to build a healthier Louisiana.

For updates on LSU AgCenter Nutrition and Community Health programs, please visit: www.LSUAgCenter.com/FoodAndHealth

The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Healthcare Connections have partnered to produce the video series ‘Build a Healthy Meal.’ We’ll show you how to make easy, tasty and healthy recipes for the whole family to enjoy using low-cost ingredients that can be found at your local dollar store, grocery store or farmers’ market.

In this video, LSU AgCenter extension associate Jamila and her 3rd grader son Nandi show you how to make delicious apple cinnamon oat muffins. These kid-friendly muffins are packed with whole grains which contain fiber, B vitamins and iron to support a healthy diet. With the addition of apples and cinnamon, these will make a tasty breakfast or snack for any kid. Plus, they freeze easy, too, making them great to grab and go.

Build a Healthy Meal: Kid-Friendly Cinnamon Oat Muffins The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Healthcare Connections have partnered to produce the video series ‘Build a Healthy Meal.’ We’ll show you how to make easy, tas...

Congress recently eliminated funding for SNAP-Ed. The LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed program has served Louisiana for nearly 30 years, and we understand this change raises questions. Below are answers to some of the most common ones as we plan for the program’s closure.

❓Is SNAP-Ed officially ending in Louisiana?
Yes. SNAP-Ed is ending nationwide, including in Louisiana. The program will officially end on September 30, 2025. The LSU AgCenter will no longer be able to offer SNAP-Ed funded programming after that date.

❓Why is SNAP-Ed ending?
SNAP-Ed funding was removed from the federal budget, ending the program nationwide.

❓What services and programs are going away?
SNAP-Ed supported nutrition education and healthy living programs in schools, senior centers, food pantries, farmers markets, grocery stores, libraries, and other community spaces in almost 40 parishes. While some teaching materials may still be available, the loss of funding means fewer staff available to deliver programs and no SNAP-Ed funds for supplies for lessons, community events, or participant resources.

❓Will the LSU AgCenter still offer nutrition education?
Yes, but the way we deliver that education will change. The LSU AgCenter remains committed to improving health across Louisiana and is exploring other funding sources, partnerships, and collaborations to continue offering nutrition programs.

❓Can external organizations help fill the gap?
Not for SNAP-Ed, as the program is ending nationwide. However, we welcome collaboration on new opportunities, applying for grants, and finding creative solutions. Please reach out if you’re interested.

❓Is the LSU AgCenter leaving my parish?
No. We will continue to serve every parish. However, some Nutrition & Community Health (NCH) services may be reduced or temporarily unavailable due to staffing and funding changes.

❓ Was this decision related to LSU AgCenter’s SNAP-Ed performance?
No. Our team has a strong history of delivering high-quality, evidence-based programs. The decision was made at the federal level and affects all states.

❓Who can I talk to about concerns or next steps?
Contact Denise Holston at [email protected] or 225-578-4573.

It’s with a heavy heart that we share that the LSU AgCenter’s SNAP-Ed program will be discontinued after September 30, 2025 due to changes in federal funding.

For over 30 years, SNAP-Ed has helped thousands of Louisiana residents live healthier lives through nutrition education and community support. If you’ve ever had the joy of working with any of our SNAP-Ed team members these last three decades, you know just how much we have loved serving the people of Louisiana. We’re incredibly grateful to our partners and supporters who made this work possible.

As we prepare for this transition, our team will be reaching out to discuss any ongoing projects and how we can support a smooth transition. While this change is difficult, the LSU AgCenter’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of Louisiana families remains strong.

We will continue to share any updates here and on our website at www.LSUAgCenter.com/SNAPEd. Thank you for being part of our mission to build a healthier Louisiana.

Sincerely,
The LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed Team

The Orleans Nutrition and Community Health Coalition, co-led by LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed agent Dr. Emelia Clement, recently provided garden tools like shovels, hand rakes, and stakes to support Mr. Doug and the Gert Town Community Garden! This vital space helps provide the community with fresh, healthy food year-round.

Coalition members didn’t just drop off supplies. They rolled up their sleeves to help pull weeds and prep the garden for a productive season. Dr. Clement, along with LSU AgCenter EFNEP agent Tayler Jones, Rhonda Maberry of Total Community Action NOLA, Natasha Baxter of Providence Housing Inc, Luke Felty from the New Orleans Health Department, and Liz from the Louisiana Department of Health, all pitched in and cooled off together after a hard day’s work.

Thanks to their support, Gert Town will continue to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to nourish the neighborhood, including figs, melons, lemons, okra, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, greens, and corn. To learn more, message Orleans SNAP-Ed!

Helping kids stay active supports their growth, learning, and long-term health. Here are some ways your children can get regular movement:
🐾Take a walk.
💦Water the garden.
🌱Mow the lawn.
🚲Ride a bike.
🛹Roller blade or skateboard.
🏀Visit a local park.

LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed agent Quincy Vidrine recently organized a walk audit in Columbia, LA, bringing together the mayor, local families, the police chief, the Main Street Columbia director, and AgCenter staff including SNAP-Ed nutrition educator Sara Goddard, Built Environment Specialist Ana Gouge, and Physical Activity Specialist Leah Carter. Together, they explored ways to make the town safer for walking, biking, and strolling.

After the walk audit, volunteers of all ages rolled up their sleeves to paint a vibrant new crosswalk in front of Columbia Elementary complete with classic stripes, wildcats, and paw prints in honor of the school mascot!

This project is part of LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed's efforts to promote healthier, more active communities by making it safer to walk, bike, and play. Message us to learn more!

Food pantries are a lifeline in many communities. LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed offers simple, effective tools to help make them even healthier and more impactful. From recipes to signage, we’ve got you covered. Message us to learn more today!

Whether it’s a food pantry, grocery store, or farmers market, LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed works with local partners to make healthy choices easier. Message us to learn how we can partner with you!

When LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed agent Madi Horne started teaching nutrition classes at the Ruston Farmers Market, she had one major goal: show folks that eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard or expensive.

With the help of the market’s new teaching kitchen, Madi led hands-on lessons where people learned to cook simple, tasty meals using nutritious, low-cost ingredients. She kept things easy. No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Just wholesome food, useful skills, and helpful conversations.

Some participants had never cooked before. One man came after losing his wife and said he’d only been eating frozen meals. Now he’s able to cook for himself! Others tried different fruits and veggies for the first time. One woman even overcame her fear of using knives with Madi’s help.

Madi teamed up with the Health Hut to host lunch-and-learns where people got to cook, eat, and learn together. Affordable, filling, and flavorful recipes like black bean quesadillas and broccoli salad were big hits.

She also shared recipes and kitchen tools at the food pantry and library so people could keep learning at home. Her work helped people feel more confident in the kitchen and more connected to their community.

That’s what SNAP-Ed is all about. Meeting people where they are and helping them build healthier lives, one meal at a time.

Madi stepped away from her role with LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed last month, but we want to thank her for the wonderful work she did in Lincoln and Bienville Parishes. We’re so grateful for the lasting impact she made during her time on our team. Please join us in wishing her all the best in what comes next!

We love working with local farmers markets! LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed offers healthy recipes, cooking demos, family activities, and more. Message us to learn how we can team up to serve your community!

Small towns and local businesses can benefit from partnering with LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed! Through initiatives like Geaux Shop Healthy and the Louisiana Rural Complete Streets Summit, SNAP-Ed can provide hands-on support. We’re here to help rural communities grow stronger and healthier.