Lizzy Cooper

Farm to School Coordinator, Central NY

Central NY
phone 315-630-0405
email Lizzy

Lizzy Cooper is the Central NY Farm to School Coordinator with Cornell Cooperative Extension's Harvest NY team. She works with producers, community partners, and school food authorities to increase the quantity and variety of local foods in K-12 schools in the region. Lizzy earned her M.S. in Agriculture, Food, and the Environment from Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy with a concentration in food systems planning and policy and her B.S. in Environmental Studies from Gettysburg College. Prior to attending grad school, Lizzy worked for non-profits to coordinate food systems projects including a gleaning program, a nutrition incentives program, and a community farm. 

Webinar: Impact of Microclimates on NYC Urban Ag

May 13, 2026
12:00 noon - 1:00 PM

Hear from Dan Olmstead of Cornell IPM on how NYC's microclimates differ from Borough to Borough and their impact on resilience planning. We will also be discussing the data collected from weather stations across urban gardens in the city.

Webinar: Biochar Applications on Urban Farms

June 10, 2026
12:00 noon - 1:00 PM

Hear from Deborah Aller, Cornell, about biochar applications on urban farms and its ability to act as a tool for soil health and climate mitigation. We will also be discussing the mission behind New York Center for Organics Recycling and Education (NYCORE).

Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications

Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.

The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be available from the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2026 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.