Farm-to-Family Program Provides Free Food to Hundreds in Steelton

A Community Effort to Combat Food Insecurity

As many individuals and families continue to face the challenges of rising food costs, a local initiative known as "Farm to Family" is stepping in to offer much-needed relief. This program provides free farmers markets for those in need, aiming to ensure that no one has to choose between food and other essential needs.

The "Farm to Family" initiative is organized by Highmark Wholecare, with support from Hamilton Health Center and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The collaboration brings together various community stakeholders to address the issue of food insecurity while promoting health and wellness.

On Wednesday, August 6, from 1-5 p.m., the program will distribute over 8,000 pounds of fresh, locally grown produce at the Hamilton Health Center in Steelton, Pennsylvania. This event is open to anyone who needs it, without any questions asked. It's a simple yet powerful gesture that highlights the importance of community support in times of need.

Michael Callaghan, the manager of the program, emphasized the significance of this effort. He explained that the initiative is designed to ease the burden on families who are struggling to afford basic necessities. "If people you know are hungry and they're wondering where their next meal is coming from, they're not worrying about getting to the doctor for a wellness visit or flu shot, or taking care of their kids to make sure their kids are getting to the doctor," he said. "So we focused on, you know, food is medicine, so to speak."

Callaghan also shared how rewarding it is to see the positive impact of the program. "You see the people go through the smiles on their face," he said. "They're so nice. There are wonderful people coming through. They're so gracious and grateful to be able to get the produce. (It's) very rewarding. It's more of a religious experience, honestly, and something that gives me, you know, a lot of pleasure. And really, you know, fills our spirits to be able to see that we can help people fill their tables."

The distribution follows a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from the program. This approach helps maintain fairness and accessibility for all participants.

According to the Farm-to-Family program, it is a growing statewide model that brings together local farmers, food banks, healthcare providers, and schools to break down barriers to health and wellness. The program officially launched earlier this year in Pittsburgh after a successful 2024 pilot and is expected to deliver 120,000 pounds of produce to more than 6,000 families through 25 events across Pennsylvania this year.

Community involvement plays a crucial role in the success of the program. Members of the Steelton-Highspire School District football team will be on-site during the event, volunteering to assist with the distribution of produce. This reflects the strong sense of community and shared purpose that underpins the Farm-to-Family initiative.

Ellen Duffield, president and CEO of Highmark Wholecare, highlighted the broader impact of the program. "Families will leave the event not only with healthy food, but with tools, support and trust," she said. "This is what health access looks like in action."

Through initiatives like "Farm to Family," communities are finding innovative ways to support one another and address pressing issues such as food insecurity. These efforts not only provide immediate relief but also foster a sense of unity and resilience among residents.