Day 14, ABCs of Gratitude: Non-Profit Organizations

We are on the letter "N"! And today I am grateful for Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs). 

Without the tireless work of non-profit organizations, many of the issues plaguing our communities and society would not be addressed or remedied. Two areas I'm most passionate about are nutrition and fitness--for myself and for others. I believe that a healthy life and access to fresh, natural food should not be a privilege. Here are a few organizations I truly admire that share similar beliefs.

City Harvest is one of the most ingenious organizations I've seen to provide fresh produce for those who do not have access to it. Established in 1986, City Harvest takes the excess produce from NY restaurants and markets and distributes it across the city to families in need. Not only do they help reallocate food to the families that need it, they also provide cooking and nutrition classes for children and adults. Providing for a family is one thing, but empowering them to provide for themselves will ensure actual positive change for generations to come.

Another organization that is building healthier communities both today and in the future is The Sylvia Center. Founded in 2006 by Liz Neumark, CEO of Great Performances and Author of "Sylvia's Table", The Sylvia Center provides children (most of them qualifying for free or reduced lunch) an opportunity to understand "where their food comes from, how it is grown, and how to cook delicious simple meals with seasonal, local produce." The center holds their classes both in New York City as well as at Katchkie Farms, their own farm in Kinderhook, New York, which, coincidentally, supplies most of the produce used at Great Performances! Sustainable, educational, healthy, and helping kids get excited about food? What's not to love??


And I couldn't talk about NPOs without sharing my excitement for "Back on My Feet". Recently, I signed up to be part of their Uptown running team in NY and I am very excited to be joining a great group of people. Started in 2007 by Anne Mahlum, "Back on My Feet" is changing the way we view homelessness and helping their residents live sustainable and independent lives. 

I admire these organizations because all of them are not only implementing sustainable business practices of their own, they are building sustainable lives in the individuals and families that they touch. I am grateful for them as a member of their community as well as someone who is inspired by their creativity and heart to make a difference.