Building a Healthy Community Together, Baton Rouge

On January 31, 2023, USDA partnered with Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to hold a community engagement event focused on food, nutrition, and diet-related health disparities in African American communities. The event was attended by more than 120 community members who surfaced numerous issues that need addressed to help ensure food and nutrition security for all, as well as opportunities that can be leveraged to help accelerate progress towards these goals. Provided below are a summary report and Stories for Better Health, which are short video segments where community members share their lived experiences around food, nutrition, and health. Also included are images from the event and links for organizations that participated in a “Share Fair”, which provided information on Federal and local nutrition programs, healthy eating, and relevant community activities.

This report summarizes community member perspectives on food and nutrition-related challenges and opportunities in African American communities, particularly in the Baton Rouge area. We encourage the usage of this information in future reports, grant proposals, and other efforts that aim to improve the health and well-being of communities, particularly for African Americans.

Read the Report