Friday, January 8

Promoting a Healthy Community One C.H.E.F. at a Time


Baton Rouge, La. – Nutrition agents in Calcasieu Parish with the Southern University and LSU Ag Centers have been awarded a Walmart Community Health and Wellness Initiative grant by the Walmart Foundation.  Southern Ag Center’s Carol Sensley and LSU AgCenter’s Shatonia McCarty will be presented with the award on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 7 a.m. during the grand opening of a Walmart Neighborhood Store on Ryan Street in Lake Charles, LA for their work with the Creating, Healthy, Enjoyable Foods (C.H.E.F.) Cooking Camps.

The C.H.E.F. Camps are designed to teach youth basic cooking principles and nutrition education based on the USDA’s “MyPlate” food guidance system and the 2010 Dietary Guidelines.  Each day, participants work together to create an entire meal while learning healthy eating and physical activity principles, food preparation, kitchen and food safety, common cooking terms, proper food handling, measuring techniques, critical thinking and team building skills, planning and time management. 
 
During the summer of 2015, Mrs. McCarty and Mrs. Sensley conducted three cooking camps throughout the Lake Charles community at the Throne of Grace Fellowship, Zion Tabernacle Church and with the Sickle Cell Foundation.  It was the camp conducted at the Throne of Grace Fellowship that caught the attention of church member and Walmart Store Manager, Tiffany Johnson.  Therefore producing the grant opportunity.

The funds awarded through the grant will provide support to community outreach to promote health and wellness among Lake Charles residents.  During the store's grand opening, Sensley & McCarty will conduct food demonstrations and provide nutrition information.

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