The Sylvia Center

Yesterday Team Opp Hub joined forces with our partners in the nonprofit and government sectors to share our work and advocate for change. We joined BASTA for an amazing panel discussion at Student Success Network about the importance of helping young people build networks, social capital, and community. Our Program Director, Eileen and participant Seani wowed the room by sharing strategies from our Young Adults Program as well as their brilliant insights on the power of building community. Our Farm Manager, Jesse testified at a City Council hearing about increasing access to fresh produce and creating more urban farm and community garden space in NYC with representatives from The Sylvia Center, Teens for Food Justice, New York Sun Works, and The Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education & Policy Jesse shared his experience bringing hands-on STEM education to children and fresh produce to our community through The Learning Garden. A big thank you to Gale A. Brewer for supporting this work and advocacy!

Always a pleasure to be with fellow Food Ed Hub members to support equitable food access across NYC! #impact #foodaccess #nutritioneducation

What a fun STEM Day with our 6th Graders! ?????? Chef Gabriel guided an exciting 'spherification' experiment where our middle school students whipped up dairy-free eggnog, strawberry, and turmeric carrot caviar. The teachers joined in on the fun too, and everyone had a blast with this awesome lesson! #STEM #foodscience #culinaryeducation

Last week we had the honor of attending fundraising events for two of our incredible community partners. The Sylvia Center hosted an intimate dinner and cooking demo by Executive Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja (of restaurants Shuka and Shukette), where she showed guests how to create seasonal autumn-inspired dishes. The money raised will contribute to supporting The Sylvia Center and their programs throughout the year. Those who weren't able to attend can still contribute to The Sylvia Center on their website. The Sylvia Center is a New York-based non-profit that educates young people and families through culinary programming to promote health and well-being. https://lnkd.in/e5wzQNS3

We had an absolute blast at our Autumn Feast featuring the talented Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja, who captivated us with her delightful fall-inspired cooking demonstration. Also, a special thank you to our Culinary Council member, Salvatore Rizzo, for creating a warm and inviting dining space at De Gustibus Cooking School. We appreciate everyone who joined us! Your support is instrumental in empowering young people and families to lead healthier lifestyles. Thank you! ????

Congratulations to Scott Millstein, one of our Board Members, for being recognized as a 2024 Power Player in Education NY! https://lnkd.in/e3hfYxCf

We're excited to welcome Beth Bainbridge, MPH, RDN as our new Education Programs Director! With extensive experience in urban agriculture and the nonprofit sector, Beth is sure to lead our dynamic programs team expertly. Her passion for food accessibility and nutrition education goes beyond just what’s on the plate—she truly cares about empowering young people and families. Learn more about Beth: https://lnkd.in/eaRcENVu #nutritioneducation #foodaccess

???? Our 2nd graders from Germantown Elementary rolled up their sleeves to whip up tasty pita pizzas and yogurt parfaits at our Learning Garden at Katchkie Farm. From taste-testing chives to planting poppy seeds, these little chefs are expanding their knowledge for food and nature! We can't wait for more farm adventures this fall! #farmtotable #nutritioneducation #agriculture

Indulge in our fudgy Black Bean Brownies—an ideal chocolate treat for your fall baking and Halloween festivities. Trust us, you won’t even notice the black beans! These brownies are not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making them a nutritious dessert option. ???? Discover the recipe here: https://lnkd.in/eQHfpepb #plantbased #nutritioneducation #recipes

Inclusive foodways play a crucial role in fostering a healthy relationship with food, especially among young learners. By integrating educational programs focused on nutrition, cooking skills, and cultural appreciation, we can empower students to understand the importance of what they eat and where it comes from. As many of our programs across the city began this month, here’s a look at what our curriculum includes in the Cooks for Health program: https://lnkd.in/dz5Snekn #mindfuleating #foodecuation #inclusivefoodways #impact