Highmark Wholecare piloted the program in 2024, distributing 84,000 pounds of food to 3,500 families.

Highmark Wholecare will continue its 2026 Farm-to-Family season, giving away fresh produce in two communities during drive-thru giveaways.

Highmark Wholecare will host a free farmers market today in Washington, Pa., and Oct. 12 in Monessen for families in need.

Today’s event, in conjunction with the Washington School District and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, will bring 13,000 pounds of fresh produce to community members, the largest in the program’s history, at Washington Junior Senior High School, 201 Allison Ave., in Washington.

The event, with food distribution from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. while supplies last, is part of the Medicaid insurer’s Farm-to-Family program to address food insecurity, according to Highmark Health.

Mike Callaghan, program manager of Farm-to-Family at Highmark Wholecare, told the Mon Valley Independent Wednesday that everyone is welcome to attend the event, including families from the Mon Valley that might need help.

“Everyone is invited,” Callaghan said. “Anyone is welcome to attend these events. There is no registration. Everyone is welcome to come in. There’s no income guidelines, there’s no ID necessary. We just want to help those with food insecurities. We look for this to be a really successful, great event.”

Around 80 organizations are invited, including Teen Outreach, Neighbor 2 Neighbor, Washington County Health and Human Services and Blueprints for about 600 families, Callaghan said. Highmark will also help anyone with Medicaid renewals.

After Thursday’s event, the next Farm-to-Family event will be from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 12 in Monessen at 1 Wendell-Ramey Lane.

This drive-thru event, held in partnership with the Westmoreland County Food Bank will bring fresh produce to families in need.

According to Callaghan, the Monessen event is the fourth one that Highmark has done this year. They will have 5,000 pounds of boxed produce to be distributed, helping around 500 families.

He added that the Monessen City School District, Mayor Ron Mozer and city council are involved in getting the event organized.

Mozer told the MVI that they are excited to provide food for families in need in the area.

“I think it’s a very important thing that they are doing for the city, and it’s well-intended,” Mozer said. “We are excited to have Highmark down here again.”

At two previous events in Washington County this year, nearly 16,000 pounds of food was given to more than 750 families. Their goal is to distribute 250,000 pounds of food this year, according to Callaghan, and they work with several food banks to distribute this food.

Through 30 events so far this year, Highmark Wholecare has given out more than 226,000 pounds of food to 12,000 families at farmers markets in Western and Central Pennsylvania.

The goal for these events is to give people fresh produce that they can prepare a meal and not be hungry, according to Callaghan, especially in communities in need that can provide people avenues to healthier eating.

“It is so appreciated,” Callaghan said. “When we do this, people love what we are doing. The key for us is they get this food, they can prepare meals for at least a week and then basically, maybe they can get to their food pantry and other sources that can continue to provide them food for the month. The food becomes the medicine to help people in a time when they are hungry, they need sustenance and they need healthy food.”