The Sylvia Center

The Sylvia Center addresses issues in children’s health by providing hands-on experiences with growing and cooking healthy food on the farm and in the kitchen. Founded in 2006 by Liz Neumark in memory of her daughter, Sylvia, the center has served thousands of children over the past five years.

At this critical time, when obesity afflicts two-thirds of America’s children, it is essential to familiarize young people with whole, fresh produce and advocate a healthier diet. We have yet to meet a child who doesn’t love to cook and play in a garden. Over time, children broaden their palates to welcome beets, kale, leeks, and squash to their tables.

Approximately 90% of those we work with qualify for free or reduced lunch at school. Classes take place year round in public schools and community centers all over New York City. May through October, we bring children to our own Katchkie Farm in Kinderhook, New York. In these multi-week programs, children are exposed to a wide variety of fresh food and instruction in chopping, kneading, mixing, whisking, sautéing and roasting.

The Sylvia Center’s curriculum advances the knowledge and skills necessary to make smart food choices for oneself and ones family: familiarity with a wide variety of seasonal produce and its sources, the ability to recognize the components of a healthy meal, and the techniques required to execute simple recipes.
With the support of foundations, grants, and private partners, The Sylvia Center has worked with over fifty schools, community centers, and other family service organizations and is currently expanding its presence in public housing.