Katie Sheehan-Lopez

Farm to School Coordinator, Upper Hudson Valley

phone 845-340-3990 x334
email Katie

Katie Sheehan-Lopez is the Regional Farm to School Coordinator for the Upper Hudson Valley. She works with all the stakeholders on the farm to school supply chain, including farmers, distributors, processors, and school districts, to increase the amount of local New York State foods being served in our schools. Prior to working in farm to school, she held several positions that promoted healthy food and physical activity for residents of the Hudson Valley and NYC, including the SNAP-Ed nutrition education program, and Local Produce Link, a farm-to-food pantry program connecting Hudson Valley farms with NYC food pantries. Katie has a BS in Dietetics from the University of Rhode Island and a Masters in Public Health Nutrition from UC Berkeley. She lives in Beacon and in her free time enjoys planting her vegetable and pollinator gardens, cooking with her kids, and exploring the Hudson Valley.

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.