BELLEVUE, Pa. \u2014 Highmark Wholecare is helping families stock up on fresh food ahead of the 4th of July holiday. <\/p>\n
At a free farmers market in Bellevue on Friday, 8,000 pounds of locally grown produce were given away through the Farm-to-Family program, which helps address food insecurity. <\/p>\n
\u201cPeople can come out to the event, no IDs necessary, no income, the whole idea is provide food as medicine to help people with a free meal,\u201d said Michael Callaghan, the manager of Highmark Wholecare Connection Center. <\/p>\n
The Farm-to-Family program was expanded by 40% in 2026<\/a>. At 12 events this year, Highmark Wholecare has given out 82,000 pounds of food to 4,300 families in Western and Central Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n Since the program began in 2024, officials say more than 330,000 pounds of food have been given out to 15,000 families.<\/p>\n Free farmers markets are planned throughout the summer, with the next event set for July 8 at Duquesne City School from 12-3 p.m. <\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n