Karla Caldwell Fullen, local nutrition educator for the LSU AgCenter, is pleased to extend the opportunity for free nutrition education programming for both youth and adult audiences through the AgCenter’s SNAP-Ed program.
The classes include a range of topics such as healthy eating, meal planning, managing food dollars, physical activity, and food safety. Fullen’s education and experience also allow her to offer more specialized topics such as nutrition for pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight management, and feeding infants and toddlers.
“Each lesson is reinforced with prizes and research-based resources for clients to take home and implement the learning experience,” Fullen said. “We can also offer cooking demonstrations and/or food tastings to accompany lessons if time permits. These classes are available to groups in Sabine and Natchitoches parishes such as schools and church organizations.”
A current program sees her working with the Sabine Community Connection. The Sabine Parish Library and AgCenter will present “Let’s Eat for the Health of it” on February 17, March 17, April 21, and May 19 at one of two times, 12 p.m. or 6 p.m. Sessions will focus on healthy eating, meal planning, physical activity, food safety, and managing food dollars. Similar sessions will be held at the Natchitoches Parish Library on February 10 and continue until May. There will also be demonstrations and tastings. Registration is required for the library classes. To RSVP, contact Angela Prince at the Sabine Parish Library or call the Natchitoches Parish Library.
“I want to see these programs expand and flourish,” Fullen said. “In Louisiana, one out of four adults are considered obese, and we rank in the top ten states with both adult and childhood obesity.”
Fullen, the daughter of Vickie Holbrook of Many, brings a wide variety of experience to the job. She is a graduate of Many High School and Northwestern State University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Science. Following graduation, she held positions in various prestigious and popular restaurants across the state, including a stint with beloved Louisiana chef Paul Prudhomme. She is also a member of the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb.
In closing, she wanted to remind everyone that scheduling for classes is extremely flexible, which makes this a perfect opportunity for after school and evening programming. For those who have questions or would like to schedule programs, she can be reached at the Sabine Parish Extension Office by calling 318-256-3406 or via e-mail at kfullen@agcenter.lsu.edu.