Antine opened the first HealthBarn USA location at Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff in 2005, offering year-round seasonal programs daily—and on Saturdays—for children, ages 3-12 and their families. There are also summer camp programs, a school, scout field trips, and gardening, cooking, nutrition workshops.  

“During my dietetic internship at Beth Israel Medical Center, NYC, I saw firsthand children being weighed in and sitting in front of food models because of their lifestyles,” says Antine, a registered dietician. “I knew education, not treatment, was the way to improve the health of kids, so I started HealthBarn USA to make a difference in the way they eat and live.”

In 2011, Antine “sprouted” a second location at Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center in Yorktown Heights, NY where “we offer summer camp only.  In schools in the tri-state areas as well as nationally, we offer school assemblies and nutrition workshops as well as after-school enrichment programs.”

According to Antine, summer is an abundant time at HealthBarn USA because “the garden is bursting with fruits and vegetables ready to be picked by our campers.” The day camp is held weekly from 9-3:00 p.m. for children ages 5-12.

Says Antine: “It’s the ultimate farm-to-fork experience kids learn where their food comes from and why it’s good for their bodies.  With a maximum of 25 children per week, this hands-on healthy-lifestyle immersion has them cooking fresh food in our signature recipes published in my book Appetite for Life.” (Harper Collins)

According to Antine, HealthBarn USA also offers a summer seedlings program for children, ages 3-5 in the afternoons on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:30 pm “for our youngest farmers who try new fruits and veggies. They plant or pick them and cook recipes featuring them as the special ingredient with visits to the animals and nature crafts, too!”

The feedback Antine has received from parents has been heartwarming.

“The mother of a nine-year-old daughter told me her daughter only eats chicken nuggets and mac and cheese by the box and has attended many camps,” recalls Antine. “However, after just one week at HealthBarn USA, the mom said her daughter is making (Antine’s) homemade ravioli recipe at home for the whole family.”

Adds Antine: “It’s this type of feedback from parents that makes HealthBarn USA special because we aim to change behavior through knowledge and a fun hands-on experience that is both fun and educational.”

According to Antine, “our results are backed up by Columbia Teachers’ College’s research and the gift of health for a child in our fast-food culture is the best investment for their future well-being. After 9 years and over 40,000 kids, kids and families to making healthy choices with our thumbs up approach!”

Check out HealthBarn USA's website for more information, including gardening tips and recipes!