SU Ag Center Melody Coco, Nutrition Education Assistant in Avoyelles Parish, was one of 12 graduates from the Master Nutrition class, January 12 in Alexandria after completing an LSU AgCenter certification program.

The Master Nutrition program is modeled after the very popular Master Gardener program. After taking six five-hour sessions last fall, Master Nutrition volunteers were certified to teach basic nutrition and food safety lessons to the public. Many of the volunteers will work with head starts, elementary schools and senior centers in the community.

LSU AgCenter nutrition experts trained the volunteers in areas such as wellness, exercise and fad diets, the MyPyramid food guidance system, dietary guidelines, serving sizes, nutrients, food labels, meal planning, modifying recipes and food safety. Each volunteer also performed 15 hours of service and passed a competency test to become certified.

Regional family and consumer sciences coordinator Quincy Cheek, LSU AgCenter, told the participants "The goal is a healthy Louisiana. I have big plans for you." Cheek also added that she'll offer continuing education to the Master Nutritionists quarterly. ###

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