Roots of Health: Advancing Health Equity through Regenerative Food Systems in Pediatrics

American Academy of Pediatrics at

Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming

Cold Spring, New York

On-Farm Dates: Fri Nov 20 - Sun Nov 22, 2026

Program Length: 2 days & 2 nights

The Program

A two-day, place-based CME program designed for pediatricians seeking to deepen their understanding of how regional food systems and regenerative agriculture support human health. Held at the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, this immersive experience equips healthcare professionals to address the root causes of chronic disease by integrating insights on soil health, nutrient density, and food quality into clinical care. Participants will explore how regenerative food systems can enhance patient outcomes, including improvements to the gut microbiome, overall nutrition, and by creating meaningful connections to nature.

The program combines guided farm walks, interactive discussions, and applied workshops with seasonal, farm-to-table meals that reflect the principles discussed. Ample time is intentionally built in for reflection, informal exchange, and restorative time on Glynwood’s campus. Friday and Saturday night lodging in one of Glynwood’s three distinct guesthouses is included with registration. 

This program is offered in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics (Chapter 3), Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, and Climate Farm School.

The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming is a non-profit organization serving hundreds of food and farming changemakers from New York’s Hudson Valley and beyond.

For over 25 years, Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming has been a leader in building a resilient and equitable food system in New York’s Hudson Valley. Through four interconnected strategies, we strengthen our region’s food system while serving as a national model for transformative, regionally-based solutions.

About the Farm

What is Climate Farm School?

Climate Farm School is an on-farm, evidence-based, farmer-led educational experience for people ready to participate in food systems transformation. Our educational pedagogy centers on experiential learning, farmer empowerment, diversified food system stakeholder collaboration, and ecosystem restoration to address climate change.

We’ve had over 450+ participants join our programs, hosted at our farm partners globally: in the US nationwide from Paicines Ranch in California to Hawthorne Valley Farm in New York’s Hudson Valley, to our European partners such as La Junquera in Spain, Spannocchia in Italy and Ballymaloe in Ireland.

Climate Farm School is a project of Ideagarden Institute, a 501c3 non-profit and a 1% for the Planet environmental partner.

Program Schedule

Friday Evening Option (Pre-Program)
Participants are invited to arrive early and explore nearby Fahnestock State Park. Options include a guided group hike or self-guided routes with provided maps.


Day 1 (Saturday): Foundations of Regenerative Food Systems

  • Regenerative Agriculture in Practice: Guided tour of Glynwood’s farm operations, introducing core principles of regenerative production and land stewardship.

  • Soil Health: Exploration of the biological links between soil ecosystems, plant health, and nutrient density.

  • From Food Systems to Clinical Practice: Practical frameworks for integrating food systems thinking into patient care, including strategies to connect families with regional food sources and nutrition support programs.

Day 2 (Sunday): From Soil to Clinical Application

  • Soil–Human Health Connections: Exploration of the pathways linking soil health, microbiomes, and chronic disease risk.

  • Introduction to Culinary Medicine: Hands-on food preparation session paired with discussion of diet-based therapeutic approaches relevant to pediatric care.

The program will conclude Sunday early afternoon, following lunch.