

Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District: Candidate Forum
Did you know that there is an important election Saturday, June 14 from 8am-6pm for the Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors?
Join us for a candidate forum with Erica Johnson and Lloyd Landry IV in which they will share their thoughts and district voters can share their concerns, priorities, and expectations with both candidates through a moderated Q&A format.
Register for the forum here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9c1pEzjmS8WKGkFik2ORHg
More about the Soil and Water Conservation District
A Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a local entity designed to help communities care for their land and water, usually in the form of technical assistance to landowners. These districts work with farmers, landowners, and residents to promote the responsible use and protection of natural resources like soil, water, forests, and wildlife.
SWCDs were established during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, a time when poor land management led to widespread environmental disaster but trust in the government was low. In response, states created these locally governed citizen-led districts to ensure better stewardship of the land and be non-governmental. Today, thousands of SWCDs operate across the United States, each tailored to meet the needs of their specific region.
Each SWCD is formed through state law and governed by a local board, typically composed of elected and appointed supervisors. In Louisiana, the Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District oversees a broad and diverse region that includes:
Jefferson Parish
Orleans Parish
Saint Bernard Parish
Saint Charles Parish
St. John the Baptist Parish

Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor's Election
Did you know that there is an important election Saturday, June 14 from 8am-6pm for the Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors?
This is the 7th election of its kind in state history and the first one in the Crescent District which includes Orleans, Jefferson, Saint Bernard, Saint Charles, and St. John the Baptist Parish! SWCDs work with farmers, landowners, and residents to promote the responsible use and protection of natural resources like soil, water, forests, and wildlife.
Polling locations below are open June 14th from 8am-6pm. Bring your government-issued ID. No early voting.
ORLEANS
Mid-City: New Harmony High School, 3368 Esplanade Ave
N.O. East: Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 11721 Morrison Rd
Marigny/Bywater: Press St Gallery, 5 Homer Plessy Way
JEFFERSON
Jefferson Feed Store: 4421 Jefferson HWY
Jefferson Feed Store: 2949 Veterans BLVD
ST. CHARLES
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3750: 140 Angus Dr. Luling
Knights of Columbus Home: 375 Spruce St. Norco
Alan Arterbury BLDG: 14564 River Rd. New Sarpy


Chef's Special: New Orleans FPC Meeting
Join us for a Chef's Special FPC meeting where the FPC staff and partners will share policy updates and advocacy opportunities at the local and state levels. We will share a menu of options for chef participation and facilitate an open discussion on potential next steps for advocacy. Kindly RSVP here.
Questions? Email Samantha Fleurinor, regional director of New Orleans FPC at samantha@nolafoodpolicy.org.


Eat Local Book Club
Join us at The Broadside Theater as we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with an evening honoring Đặc Biệt by Chef Nini Nguyen—Eat Local NOLA's 2025 Book of the Year! A proud Vietnamese New Orleanian, Chef Nini shares stories and recipes that reflect the vibrant blend of her cultural heritage and hometown roots. Enjoy food, conversation, and community as we uplift local voices and flavors.
RSVP to the event here for a chance to receive a signed copy (must be present to receive).
Farmers First Louisiana (FPAC Lobby Day)
Louisiana FPAC and allies are hosting the first-ever Farmers First Food and Farm Lobby Day at the Capitol on May 22. Farmers and food system advocates are invited to sign up and join us as we show up to support farmer-backed bills, share lunch, and run a free "farmers market" in the rotunda for lawmakers. Come show the strength of Louisiana’s farmers and advocate for real, lasting support for those who grow our food!
Sign up here.


State of the Coast Conference
The State of the Coast (SOC) conference is the largest statewide conference of its kind, providing an interdisciplinary forum to exchange timely and relevant information on the dynamic conditions of Louisiana’s coastal communities, environment and economy. The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) produces this forum, the need for which grows with every acre of land lost to the Gulf of Mexico, along with our partners: the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana and the Water Institute.
State of Our Seafood: Exploring Solutions for an Industry in Crisis
Fiona Lightbody - Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (moderator)
Lance Nacio - Louisiana Shrimp Taskforce
Katrina Williams - CCC
Jason Pitre - Bayou Rosa Oysters
Dana Honn - Chef
Marcus Jacobs - Chef
Rachel Kimmel - Audubon Gulf United for Last Fisheries (GULF)
Brynn Comeaux - New Orleans Food Policy Action Council
Emma Lou Reid - Filmmaker
Margaret Crosby - Chef's Brigade (organizer)



New Orleans Food Policy Action Council General Meeting
Join us for the bimonthly Food Policy Action Council general meeting on March 13, 11 - 12 PM via Zoom. This month, FPAC staff will share the launch of the FPAC membership program, announce our new FPAC staff, invite members to participate in our strategic planning process, and discuss strategies for preparing for the next congress and Trump-Vance administration.



Food for Thought: Lobbying and Advocacy Strategies
During this session, FPAC staff will provide an overview of lobbying vs education and share strategies that individuals and non-profits can use to support policies that are mission-aligned. Participants will have an opportunity to draft their advocacy plan and get feedback. All are welcome.




New Orleans Food Policy Action Council General Meeting
Join us for the bimonthly Food Policy Action Council general meeting on March 13, 11 - 12 PM via Zoom. This month, FPAC staff will share the launch of the FPAC membership program, announce our new FPAC staff, invite members to participate in our strategic planning process, and discuss strategies for preparing for the next congress and Trump-Vance administration.





New Orleans Food Policy Action Council General Meeting
Join us for the bimonthly Food Policy Action Council general meeting on January 16, 11 - 12 PM via Zoom. This month, FPAC staff will share the launch of the FPAC membership program, announce our new FPAC staff, invite members to participate in our strategic planning process, and discuss strategies for preparing for the next congress and Trump-Vance administration.

Louisiana Farmer Climate Convening
Dive into discussions about climate change and its impact on farming practices. Discover innovative strategies and techniques to adapt to the changing climate, and connect with other farmers about how climate change impacts you mentally, culturally, and economically. Gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and forge new connections to help you navigate the challenges posed by climate change.
