LSU AgCenter presents Young Dietitian of the Year

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By Karol Osborne
SHREVEPORT–LSU AgCenter nutrition agent Elizabeth Martin received the 2019 Young Dietitian of the Year award from the Louisiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Association.
Martin was presented the award at the organization’s annual business meeting and awards breakfast April 9 at the L’Auberge Hotel in Baton Rouge.
Before joining the AgCenter in August 2018, Martin was employed by Willis-Knighton Health System for two years as a clinical dietitian.
She is a Shreveport native and currently serves Caddo and Bossier parishes as the supervisor of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Educational Program and a general nutrition agent.
“While I enjoyed my time working in a clinical setting, I felt called to work in community nutrition,” Martin said.
When her grandfather, retired AgCenter agent Albert Doughty, experienced a decline in health, Martin decided to switch her college major to learn more about nutrition and health.
Martin received her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Louisiana State University, and completed her dietetic internship and master’s degree at Louisiana Tech University.
“Seeing a real impact in the community, whether it is from trying a new fruit or vegetable, saving money at the grocery store or beginning an exercise routine, has been especially rewarding,” she said.
Faithful Families is one such program where participants have embraced nutrition lessons and are motivated to work as a faith community to make positive changes to improve their health.
The program targets a wide array of health and nutrition topics, including how to read a food label, food safety, meal preparation, food portions, MyPlate and physical activity.
AgCenter regional director Patrick Colyer said Martin has proven to be a valuable asset during her time with the organization.
“This recognition confirms the positive contribution she is making to our nutrition programming and her potential for future success,” he said.
“I am so appreciative of the Shreveport Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for nominating me for this award,” Martin said.
The Louisiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Association is a professional organization representing more than 1,000 dietetic nutrition experts in the state and is an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.