Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) recently was awarded a $5,000 Critical Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation to support its Pop-Up Farmers Markets, ensuring continued access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for individuals and families.
MFHS is the largest provider of WIC benefits in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and plays an essential role in supporting the health and nutrition of women, children, and families across the region. A vital component of WIC is the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which promotes awareness and use of local farmers’ markets and provides participants with fresh, unprocessed, locally grown produce.
In 2025, funding for the FMNP was reduced by 49%, significantly limiting the resources available to support access to healthy food options for vulnerable populations. The Critical Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation helped offset this substantial decrease and allowed MFHS to work with local farmers and operate Pop-Up Farmers Markets throughout the growing season.
“These Pop-Up Farmers Markets are a critical resource for our clients, many of whom face barriers to accessing affordable, nutritious food,” said Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD, president and CEO of Maternal and Family Health Services. “We are deeply grateful to the Scranton Area Community Foundation for recognizing this need and helping us ensure that families can continue to access fresh fruits and vegetables despite the significant funding cuts to this program.”
Through this initiative, MFHS continues to advance its mission of improving health outcomes and addressing food insecurity for families most in need.
About Maternal Family Health Services
Maternal and Family Health Services is a nonprofit health and human service organization working to improve the health of Pennsylvania women and children by offering programs that prevent disease, promote wellness, and empower individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices. The agency oversees a network of health and nutrition centers in 17 Pennsylvania counties serving nearly 100,000 individuals each year through the following core programs: WIC Nutrition Program, Family Planning Program, Nurse-Family Partnership, and the Healthy Beginnings Plus Prenatal Program. For more information, call 1-800-367-6347, or visit www.mfhs.org.
About Scranton Area Community Foundation
The Scranton Area Community Foundation responsibly stewards resources and inspires transformative philanthropy to build a strong and vibrant community. With over $100 million in assets under management and more than 415 charitable funds, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as a steward, grantmaker, charitable resource, and catalyst for change since 1954. For more information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation, visit safdn.org.