PITTSBURGH — Highmark Wholecare said it is working to expand its fresh food initiative in 2025.
The effort is designed to connect food banks, local farmers and community organizations with schools to provide free and nutritional meals, Highmark Wholecare said.
The 11 Cares partner said it delivered 84,000 pounds of food to 3,500 families in need in 2024.
They worked with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to deliver 60,000 pounds of free fresh produce to 12 farmers markets in Allegheny County and some in Beaver and Washington counties.
Monthly food distributions were held after collaboration with Sto-Rox School District, Pittsburgh Area Community Schools and the GPCFB to help families in the Sto-Rox community.
Highmark also worked with the Westmoreland County Food Bank and local officials to launch new farmers markets in the Monessen area. Those are expected to start in 2025.
“There is a growing recognition of ‘food as medicine’ and its vital role in preventative health care,” said Michael Callaghan, Supervisor of Highmark Wholecare’s Mobile Connection Center for Title I Schools. “That’s why it’s crucial that the food offered at our farmers markets is fresh, nutritious and accessible. By prioritizing healthy eating and education, we can not only address food insecurity but also improve health outcomes and reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases.”
Because of the success last year, Highmark Wholecare wants to expand the project by 40%. They plan to do this by increasing events from 17 to 24 across Allegheny, Beaver and Westmoreland counties.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
©2025 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
