About Us

Child nutrition programs in Louisiana play a vital role in improving diets, reducing food insecurity, and enhancing overall health. Research shows that school meals are among the most nutritious food sources available to American schoolchildren, thanks to the collaborative efforts of school nutrition professionals, parents, school meal partners, the food industry, and the USDA.

Healthy students are better equipped to learn and succeed. Every student in Louisiana deserves that opportunity.

In April 2015, LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center partnered with the Louisiana Department of Education’s Division of Nutrition Support to launch the Louisiana Fit Kids project. This partnership continues to support child nutrition programs across the state through the following key areas:

Collaborations & Partnerships

We work with schools, food producers, nutrition professionals, and other related organizations to share resources and expertise that foster innovative and successful child nutrition programs.

News & Announcements

We provide updates on training opportunities, funding announcements, program recognition, and other important news for Child Nutrition Program (CNP) operators.

Smart Snacks

We offer guidance to schools in selecting food items that meet Smart Snacks criteria, including those sold outside of the traditional school meal program during the school day.

Education & Professional Development

We equip child nutrition professionals with the training and tools they need to plan, prepare, and serve healthy meals, while also helping them track their professional development progress.

Team Nutrition

We support nutrition programs by providing training, educational materials, and initiatives that promote healthy eating, along with physical activity, in schools and communities.

Program Resources

We assist schools in adopting updated meal patterns and meeting federal nutrition standards to ensure compliance and support student health.