Mission Statement:
To enhance the lives of individuals and families, strengthen communities and shape the future of Louisiana through research-based educational outreach.
Vision Statement:
Working for a healthy Louisiana - physically, socially, emotionally and financially.
The mission of the Nutrition and Health project of Family and Consumer Sciences is to improve the health and nutrition of people in Louisiana. We do this by providing various health and nutrition programs to the citizens. We participate in national programs that address children, pregnant women, families and the elderly.
Louisiana participates in two major food assistance programs from the United States Department of Agriculture: the Food Stamp Nutrition Program (also known as Family Nutrition Program [FNP]) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program [EFNEP]).
Additionally, the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service faculty have developed programs that address major health issues of Louisiana residents. Diabetes Education Awareness Recommendations (DEAR) addresses the increasing numbers of individuals with diabetes in the state. Another program, Portions, teaches individuals healthy, lifelong nutrition and exercise habits based on the Food Guide Pyramid.
We provide childcare classes for in-home and daycare providers to receive their 12 clock hours required by the state. For more information on these classes, click on the link below for Family Development & Childcare Provider Training. Jane Jones, LSU AgCenter Extension agent, is the instructor.
We have various educational, free brochures covering topics on food preservation, diet and health, consumer education and financial planning. Stop by our Rapides office at 300 Grady Britt Drive in Alexandria. Lou Altazan-Brown, Family & Consumer Sciences agent, is available to answer your questions. Her e-mail address is lbrown@agcenter.lsu.edu. The office phone number is (318) 767-3968.
FCS staff:
Leonida Altazan-Brown - Extension Agent/Nutrition
Jane Jones- Extension Agent/Childcare
DeAnna Halafihi - FNP Educator