Cornell Farm to School Program
Becky O'Connor, Farm to School Coordinator, WNY & Finger Lakes
Harvest New York
The Cornell Farm to School Program provides comprehensive support to Farm to School stakeholders, including School Food Authorities, farmers, distributors, manufacturers, processors, and food hubs. The primary goal of the program is to increase the volume and variety of local farm products purchased by SFAs for use in child nutrition programs.
To achieve this goal, Harvest NY developed a plan of work centered on the following three objectives:
- Provide direct support to supply chain partners.
- Provide statewide support via resource development, training, and technical assistance to supply chain partners.
- Strengthen campus-to-community connections by identifying and developing opportunities for applied Farm to School research.
What we do:
- Find local food and farm partners
- Work with supply chain partners on logistics, including delivery
- Develop local food procurement plans
- Assist with bid development that favors local foods
- Establish Farm to School promotional campaigns, like NY Thursdays and Harvest NY
- Assist with securing grants to expand Farm to School programming
- Support 30% NY Initiative tracking and documentation requirements
The Cornell Farm to School Program includes 7 Regional Procurement Specialists, an Education Specialist, and a Program Lead:
Statewide Program Lead | Cheryl Bilinski: cbt32@cornell.edu | (607) 592-9507
The counties listed under each Regional Coordinator are loose boundaries. If you'd like assistance and fall outside the stated counties, please reach out to Cheryl for assistance.
Education Specialist | Kate Preston: kep98@cornell.edu | (607) 788-4188
Kate works to strengthen Farm to School collaborations among cafeterias, classrooms, and communities.
Lower Hudson Valley | Putnam, Rockland, Orange, and Westchester Counties
Kristy Apostolides: kda4@cornell.edu | (845) 429-7085, ext. 106
Upper Hudson Valley | Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, and Delaware Counties
Katie Sheehan-Lopez: kms369@cornell.edu | (845) 340-3990, ext. 334
Western NY | Erie, Chautauqua, Allegany, Genesee, Wyoming, Orleans, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, and Yates Counties
Becky O'Connor: rao84@cornell.edu | (845) 706-0293
Long Island | Suffolk and Nassau Counties
Amy Bly: ab2353@cornell.edu | (631) 827-1015
Central NY | Oswego, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Cortland, and Tompkins Counties
Lizzy Cooper: ec795@cornell.edu | (315) 630-0405
North Country | Franklin, Clinton, Essex, Lewis, Jefferson, and St Lawrence Counties
Meghan Dohman: meb377@cornell.edu | (518) 791-1888
New York City | SJ Whelan: sw954@cornell.edu | (929) 895-2257
Cornell Farm to School Program Map (jpg; 1839KB)
Upcoming Events
Maximizing Your Garden Space
May 9, 2026
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Port Jefferson Station, NY
Celebrate spring and get your garden growing with this hands-on workshop on maximizing your garden space! Join Cornell Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman as she shares practical strategies to maximize limited space. Participants will learn about the current state-wide soil testing program and crop planning techniques designed to increase yields and extend the growing season.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).Announcements
Community Garden Leadership Program - Application Open Now!
The Cornell Community Garden Leadership Program is a year-long online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. The program equips community gardeners with management best practices and operational skills to improve garden sustainability. The program also connects gardeners to regional resources, professional development opportunities, and a statewide community garden leadership network.Register for a virtual information session to learn more about the program and discover if this program is the right fit for you. Each information session is typically 45min-1hr.
Session Dates:
- April 9 at 10am
- April 14 at 12pm
- April 22 at 5:30pm
- May 7 at 12pm
- May 11 at 5:30pm
**Please note: the program application closes on June 15th and will be sent to all who register for an information session.
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.