Highmark Wholecare to host free produce distribution in Charleroi
The Farm-to-Family initiative is a 25stop tour, started by Highmark Wholecare, which aims to distribute 120,000 pounds of fresh produce to more than 6,000 families across Pennsylvania.
Free bags of fresh, locally grown produce will once again be available to Mon Valley families later this month as part of a community program tackling food insecurity.
The Farm-To-Family Produce Market — an initiative of Highmark Wholecare — will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 30 at Dee’s Event Center, 514 McKean Ave. in Charleroi. The market will remain open while supplies last.
Highmark Wholecare is collaborating with the AHN Healthy Food Center/Center for Inclusion Health, the Charleroi Area School District, and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to provide the event. Shoppers will receive reusable bags along with fresh, locally sourced produce. The market is open to the public at no cost, with no income requirements and no ID needed. Participation is first come, first served.
The Farm-To-Family program is part of Highmark Wholecare’s broader effort to address food insecurity as a social determinant of health. The idea is simple: provide free, locally sourced produce to families while connecting them with other health and community services to reduce disparities.
Since its pilot launch, the program has distributed about 84,000 pounds of food to 3,500 families. For 2025, the plan is to expand to 25 markets, delivering more than 120,000 pounds of produce to over 6,000 families.
Charleroi hosted its first Farm-To-Family market in October 2024, when more than 7,000 pounds of produce were distributed to 352 families. The strong turnout has led to its return this fall.
“It was a great success last year, and we’re excited to welcome them back and offer this for our students and learning community,” Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich said.
Highmark has also previously held markets in the Mon Valley, most recently in Monessen several weeks ago through a partnership with the city, Monessen School District and Westmoreland County Food Bank.
