Highmark Wholecare formally launches 2025 'Farm-to-Family' Produce Markets

New multi-region initiative projects bringing more than 115,000 pounds of fresh food to more than 6,000 families in schools and rural communities across Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH (May 2, 2025) — Highmark Wholecare today formally launched its 2025 Farm-to-Family produce markets initiative at Sto-Rox High School — the site of the initiative’s most consistent food distributions to date. The program draws from a coalition of local farmers, food banks, schools and health care providers to increase access to nutritious food and preventive care for families across Pennsylvania. Farm-to-Family is a collaboration with Highmark Health and the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Center of Inclusion Health, Healthy Food Centers.

This year’s expansion is expected to bring more than 115,000 pounds of fresh, locally sourced produce to more than 6,000 families through 25 community events at 20 locations, primarily Title I schools and rural communities across Allegheny, Beaver, Lawrence, Washington, Westmoreland, Mercer and Central Pennsylvania counties.

According to Feeding Pennsylvania, 1 in 8 Pennsylvanians — nearly 1.7 million people living in the commonwealth — experience food insecurity annually. Nationally, 47.4 million Americans lived in food-insecure households in 2023, marking an increase from the previous year, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Rooted in Highmark Wholecare’s philosophy of whole-person health, the Farm-to-Family initiative is designed to address health-related social needs by increasing access to nutritious foods and preventive care in underserved areas. The initiative reflects a growing national consensus that food is medicine and echoes bipartisan priorities to promote healthier lifestyles through access to whole, nutrient-rich foods.

“Good health starts at home, and often that begins with what’s on the dinner table,” said Michael Callaghan, supervisor of Highmark Wholecare’s Mobile Connection Center for Title I Schools. “Our Farm-to-Family markets help bridge the gap for families facing food insecurity, while also connecting them to on-site biometric screenings, Medicaid renewal assistance, and other essential health services — all free of charge.”

Each event, hosted at trusted community venues like schools and health fairs, includes:

• Free produce from, when possible, local farmers in collaboration with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Westmoreland County Food Bank and Greater Pittsburgh Area Community Food Bank
• Access to on-site health screenings and Medicaid support services
• Additional food insecurity efforts aligned with Farm-to-Family include collaborations with AHN’s Healthy Food Centers and local medical providers

Highmark Wholecare piloted the approach in 2024, distributing 84,000 pounds of food to 3,500 families. Due to overwhelming demand and community impact, the program has scaled up by 40% in 2025.

The formal launch at Sto-Rox High School — where food distribution events have reached more than 250 local families at a time — marks the beginning of a multi-county rollout that will extend through the fall. Future sites throughout the state include Monessen, Charleroi, Aliquippa, Beaver Falls, Manheim Central, Bellevue, Duquesne, New Castle and more.

“By working through schools and trusted community partners, we’re not just delivering food — we’re delivering dignity, connection and improved health outcomes,” Callaghan said.