Press Releases

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) secured $3 million for LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center to help improve the performance and resilience of our military service members while reducing injury and recovery time. Under Graves' amendment, Pennington Biomedical would build upon their position as the top nutrition science provider to the U.S. military to design nutrition programs that further improve the capabilities of our warfighters. This amendment was part of the appropriations package the U.S. House passed Friday to fund the Department of Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, Financial Services, Labor-HHS-Education, and Transportation-HUD.

"The men and women that serve our great country deserve every ounce of assistance we can provide – before, during and after their service. Given the tremendous sacrifices our warfighters make to make to keep folks at home safe, the least that we can do is make sure that our soldiers are eating right, sleeping well, and ready to face whatever challenge comes their way. The Department of Defense needs access to cutting-edge nutritional science and behavior technology-based programs to help improve mental resilience, combat the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, and keep our troops healthy. Pennington Biomedical brings extensive capabilities to the table associated with nutrition and health. I am thankful that this research begins right here at home with Pennington Biomedical and I remain committed to any further assistance they may need to meet the challenge," Graves said.

"Pennington Biomedical Research Center is grateful to the Congress--and especially Rep. Graves—for confirming the broad benefits of Pennington Biomedical's military nutrition program through this recently announced funding. Thirty-two years ago, the U.S. Department of Defense began a collaboration with experts at Pennington Biomedical to optimize nutrition for America's warfighters to make them healthier and more resilient. Our collaboration has resulted in not only better health for America's military, but also for veterans and military families," said Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

In February, Graves previously announced $3,117,113 in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that were awarded to several programs at Pennington Biomedical. Graves also announced two grants from HHS to go toward the Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Research program – in April, a $415,276 grant, and in May, a $370,000 grant.