The mission of the organization is to inspire young people to become healthy eaters and advocates for healthy food in their families and communities.
When young people learn
with The Sylvia Center, they:
Learn essential skills in the kitchen, so they can cook low cost, healthy meals at home.
Gain confidence through cooking and doing something that’s good for them and their families.
Make healthy choices. Now, and in the future.
Apply skills they learn in class to other areas of their lives. Skills, such as: teamwork, problem solving, and time management.
Become advocates for healthy eating by teaching others and demonstrating leadership in their own communities.
Our Impact
Through our programs, young people learn essential skills in the kitchen and gain the confidence to make healthier choices now, and in the future. Young people are applying the skills they learn in our cooking classes to other areas of their life and becoming advocates for healthy communities.
Improve their diet by eating more fruits and vegetables
Significantly improve their cooking skills
Understand how to make a healthy meal for themselves
Really “LOVE TO COOK!”
Our Programs
Full Plate
Tailored for our youngest students, our Full Plate programming focuses on exposing them to fresh, healthy foods.
Cooks for Health
Geared toward our elementary and middle school students, our Cooks for Health programming focuses on building confidence in the kitchen through nutrition education and learning fundamental cooking skills.
Teen Culinary Apprenticeship
Our Teen Culinary Apprenticeship programming aims to expose our high school students to opportunities that connect their passion for food with long-term career development.
Our Programs in Action
In The News
Food Justice is Racial Justice
Today, and every day, The Sylvia Center works to empower students, families, and communities to take control of their health and wellbeing.
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Our Communities to Fresh Food
This year has brought challenges like never before. COVID-19 has disrupted our local food systems, preventing New Yorkers from accessing fresh, healthy, and affordable food.
Autumn Walking Tour and Virtual Cooking Class
The Sylvia Center just wrapped up a two-part event in partnership with Olana State Historic Site and The Olana Partnership!
