The Sylvia Center (TSC) is a garden-to-table program based at Katchkie Farm that inspires young people to discover good nutrition through thoughtful, direct experiences with seasonal fruits and vegetables, on the farm and in the kitchen. Through these programs, children come to understand what food is, how it is grown, and, perhaps most important, that they themselves can choose to make good food for their own bodies.

TSC’s lessons are designed along an experiential education model (doing, reflecting, and applying). They involve participants in gardening and cooking experiences that build knowledge and understanding through a process of inquiry and reflection.

TSC is part of a growing movement to transform the way nutrition is taught. Our instruction follows a “rainbow on your plate” philosophy that promotes a diet incorporating a diverse set of colorful, whole foods. This approach ensures that our students learn to eat a balanced diet.

The Sylvia Center helps children explore where they live, whether in an urban or rural setting. Their programs underscore the importance of place and thus inspire students to become food advocates and environmental stewards of their communities.