Our Philosophy

A healthy body can produce and sustain a healthy mind. 

Play 4 Life is committed to empowering school-age children to use their natural inclination toward play and creativity to teach them about healthy cooking, conscientious eating, and activities such as yoga and gardening.

Preparing fresh food with family and friends is one of the great joys of life.  Learning how to prepare fresh foods that taste good and supply the essential nutrients is an important life-sustaining lesson.

For many families prepared, packaged foods and “fast food” are part of their daily routine.  These conveniences have replaced the fresh foods that fuel an active lifestyle. A healthy diet, based on the Food and Drug Administration’s food pyramid, and daily exercise are one of the important foundations for success.

Our programs encourage children to make the connection between a healthy lifestyle and the realization of their goals and dreams. 

Who We Are

Play 4 Life is staffed largely be volunteers who want to encourage healthy living for America’s youth.  This not for profit organization was founded by Tanya Paluso, who graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.  As an athlete growing up Tanya is fortunate to have always led an active lifestyle.

By bringing together volunteers to teach cooking classes in schools with high rates of obesity, provide yoga instruction to young children, and prepare home style meals in group homes for teenagers, Tanya created an avenue to spread her passion for a healthy lifestyle to many children across New York City.

Play 4 Life currently has approximately 40 volunteers, and the support of an active board of directors.  The organization is implementing a 3 year strategic plan designed to bring our message of healthy eating to hundreds more of New York’s children.

Where we work

Play 4 Life, Inc. brings its programming on-site to schools and other organizations in New York City, where we are piloting our programs.  We are proud to announce that we will be bringing our programs to San Diego starting in the fall of 2008.