Crystal Besse is the Program Director for Louisiana Farm to School, and is responsible for programming, partnerships, and promotion of the program’s initiatives. During her time this role, Crystal expanded the Louisiana Harvest of the Month program statewide, developed resources for producers and school food service professionals to increase access to local food, and increased the capacity of agricultural and nutrition education and school gardens for Louisiana educators. She has over 10 years’ experience in fostering community engagement, nutrition, and safe food practices in communities. Prior to joining LSU AgCenter, Crystal worked at the Tennessee Department of Health where she built collaborations and partnerships focused on creating and sustaining healthy communities throughout Northeast Tennessee, including leading a community-based program and media campaign on reducing tobacco use. She is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a background in family and consumer sciences as well as an MPH in epidemiology, and is a trainer for Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training and USDA Produce Safety University.