Get Healthy With Inexpensive Meal Ideas

Date: 02/21/23

Baton Rouge, La.

Louisiana Healthcare Connections Sponsors LSU AgCenter’s Latest Recipe Series

In an effort to support healthy nutrition in our communities, Louisiana Healthcare Connections is continuing its partnership with Louisiana State University Agriculture Center (LSU AgCenter) on the successful “Build a Healthy Meal” program, sponsoring a third series consisting of eight videos and recipe cards. Topics will include diabetes-friendly snacks, a heart-healthy ramen noodle stir fry, lentils and rice with roasted broccoli, and farmers' market salsa with whole wheat tortilla chips.

Build a Healthy Meal recipes use nutritious, inexpensive fresh or frozen ingredients that are likely to be available to those on Medicaid and others on a limited budget and can be found in a local dollar store, grocery store, farmers market, or may be provided as part of a box from a local food pantry. As hypertension and diabetes are two of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the state, the AgCenter has strategically focused on presenting recipes that are diabetes-friendly and heart-healthy.

“The videos demonstrate tasty meal options anyone can make but are specifically developed with a low-income audience in mind,” said Amanda Gustavson, Louisiana Healthcare Connections Communications Program Manager. “Sponsoring the Build A Healthy Meal program is an investment in combatting food insecurity in Louisiana, a state in which one-in-four children and seniors is living in a household where every penny spent on food counts and options for food stores and products are limited. Because access to nutritious food is a key social determinant of health, showing families how to incorporate healthier meals into their diet while also stretching their food dollars can have a significant impact on their health and help to manage or prevent chronic disease.”

The latest Build a Healthy Meal series builds on a partnership between the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Healthcare Connections that began in 2019 and has so far produced 20 videos and companion recipe cards.

“The Build a Healthy Meal project is unique because the videos are hosted by LSU AgCenter extension agents representing cultures and food traditions from all corners of the state,” said Sandra May, LSU AgCenter Instructor. “Whenever possible, the recipes use Louisiana commodities and products, and the seasonings and spices are adapted to satisfy the palates of Louisiana eaters.”

In addition to posting the videos on YouTube, other social channels and the AgCenter website, LSU AgCenter will distribute the Build a Healthy Meal recipe cards with the video links on their website and statewide at community events, in local grocery stores as part of their Geaux Shop Healthy program, at their Break Up With Salt and Dining with Diabetes nutrition sessions for individuals with hypertension or diabetes, and at the observation deck of the State Capitol as part of an ongoing exhibit for the LSU AgCenter.

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About Louisiana Healthcare Connections

A Medicaid health plan serving the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Healthcare Connections was established in 2011 to provide the best benefits and programs possible in order to improve the overall health of the families and communities we serve. We are a healthcare company focused on identifying and removing institutional barriers to good health with sustainable solutions that reduce health disparities and create health equity. Through a family of engaged employees, dedicated providers and diverse community partners, we deliver care for the health of all. For more information, visit www.louisianahealthconnect.com.