PANDEMIC RESPONSE: LSU AgCenter agents teach nutrition through snacks

ABSTRACT

This article describes how the LSU AgCenter agents with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program led a surprise "Snack Pack Cooking Class" for students at North Highlands Elementary School and Oak Park Microsociety Elementary School in Shreveport, Louisiana, in April and May of 2021. The AgCenter agents provided each student with a box of ingredients, a paper cookbook with recipes and handouts, and a paper chef's hat. Students prepared turkey ranch wraps, which served as the after-school snack, and an under-the-sea snack mix, which the students took home. The classes allowed for a hands-on, interactive experience, while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines. The students had to identify each food's category using the MyPlate guideline for nutrition. Of the 52 students, 50 reported that they tried a new vegetable because of the class. These 2 schools have participated in EFNEP nutrition lessons during after-school activities during this past school year hosted by the Fully Devoted Developers of Children Winners' Circle, a nonprofit group in Shreveport that partners with the AgCenter. This group provided funds for the classes and purchased picnic tables for the 2 schools.