During National Nutrition Month in March, Louisiana Healthcare Connections is announcing the launch of the fourth in the series of popular Build a Healthy Meal videos, produced in partnership with the LSU AgCenter. This latest series introduces teens from the Teen Chef and 4-H programs, focusing on nutritious, kid-friendly meals and snacks that children can easily make themselves.
Each episode is presented by a team comprised of a middle or high school student and an LSU AgCenter nutrition agent and showcases the creativity and culinary skills of Louisiana’s youth. The initiative highlights the importance of empowering children with the knowledge and tools to prepare healthy meals, fostering lifelong healthy eating habits.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with LSU AgCenter in this fourth series of Build a Healthy Meal,” said Monique M. Jones, MD, MPH, FAAP, Louisiana Healthcare Connections medical director. “Healthy eating has been proven to help prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. The earlier we can help children understand the connection between nutrition and health and teach them the skills to prepare healthy meals, the more likely they will continue healthy eating later in life.”
The first five kid-friendly recipe videos in the series are now available online:
· Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets and Roasted Broccoli – Presented by Jennifer Duhon and 8th grade 4-H member Brees (Central Louisiana)
· Pecan Wild Rice – Presented by Quincy Vidrine and 9th grade 4-H member Jonathan (Northeast Louisiana)
· Taco Empanadas – Presented by Quincy Vidrine and 11th grade 4-H member Sarah (Northeast Louisiana)
· Three Sisters Soup – Presented by Jennifer Duhon and 12th grade teen chef Morgan (Central Louisiana)
· Sushi Stack – Presented by Mandy Armentor and 8th grade 4-H member Luke (Southwest Louisiana)
“Learning to prepare easy, healthy, and tasty dishes using low-cost ingredients the entire family will enjoy is a win for pocketbooks, but also for overall health,” said Sandra May, MS, LDN, RD, instructor, LSU AgCenter. “By involving 4-H students in creating these videos, we’re not only promoting nutritious meals but also encouraging young people to take an active role in their own health and well-being. Plus, this series can reach a wide audience of Louisiana youth through social media channels.”
These videos, along with a collection of 30 previous episodes from series 1-3, including heart-healthy and diabetes-friendly meal ideas, are available at LSU AgCenter’s Build a Healthy Meal website, www.lsuagcenter.com//buildahealthymeal. Printable recipe cards are also provided, making it easy for families to try these recipes at home.
In addition to being featured online, these recipes will be shared through LSU AgCenter’s annual Simple & Delicious calendar, at community events, food demonstrations, and as part of the LSU AgCenter’s SNAP-Ed and EFNEP nutrition education programs, as well as Dining with Diabetes and Break Up with Salt classes.
For more information about the Build a Healthy Meal partnership, contact Louisiana Healthcare Connections at www.louisianahealthconnect.com. Learn more about the LSU AgCenter’s Nutrition and Community Health programs at www.lsuagcenter.com/foodandhealth.