The Edible Academy
The Edible Academy is a state-of-the-art educational facility featuring hands-on activities and innovative programs that help children, families, teachers, and the general public learn about growing and preparing vegetables, fruit, and herbs while encouraging a lifelong interest in gardening, nutrition awareness, and environmental stewardship. With the site’s combination of indoor and outdoor spaces—featuring the Ruth Rea Howell Vegetable Garden as its centerpiece—NYBG is able to operate its acclaimed, 62-year-old garden-based education program year-round and double its prior capacity.
Sustainable infrastructure throughout the expanded three-acre campus supports maximum resource efficiency (water and energy) and active stormwater management. The 5,300-sq.-ft. Classroom Building, featuring a Demonstration Kitchen, Technology Lab, and Green Roof, was recently certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Buildings Council.
Our Goal
NYBG sits in an area with one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the nation. Many Bronx residents lack access to affordable fruit and vegetables and suffer from high rates of obesity and related diseases. Understanding at a young age where food comes from is an important first step in making the important connections among plants, science, and the benefits of a healthful lifestyle.
Explore the Edible Academy
Take a photo tour and explore the facilities of the Edible Academy’s campus.
Edible Academy Programs
Children are invited to Dig! Plant! Grow! and explore the Barnsley Beds.
In the News
See what top media outlets have to say about the Edible Academy.
Donate Today!
Make a donation to our Edible Academy initiative in support of programs that will teach thousands of kids, parents, and teachers all year long.
LEADERSHIP SUPPORT: Anonymous Family Friend of NYBG, Lillian Goldman Charitable Trust and Amy P. Goldman Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman P. Burke, Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation, Inc., Susan and Gregory Palm, Robert F. Gossett, Jr., Deborah and Chuck Royce, The Goergen Foundation
Speaker of the New York City Council and Members of the Bronx Delegation of the New York City Council, Mayor of New York City and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie and Members of the Bronx Delegation of the State Assembly
MAJOR SUPPORT: Caroline A. Wamsler, Ph.D. and DeWayne N. Phillips, Susan E. Lynch, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Jill and Alan Rappaport Family, Wallace Genetic Foundation, Kate Solomon and David Wasserman, Jill Joyce, Larry E. Condon and John J. Hoffee, Eric P. and Evelyn E. Newman Foundation, Phyllis and Howard Schwartz Philanthropic Fund, Louise and Henry Loeb
