‘Farm-to-Family’ program is helping hundreds of families with free food for farmers market in Steelton
Updated: 11:42 AM EDT Aug 6, 2025
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As people continue to grapple with high food prices, one local program, called “Farm to Family,” is providing a free farmers market to those in need.It’s put together by Highmark Wholecare, in collaboration with Hamilton Health Center and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.One Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 1-5 p.m., they will give away over 8,000 pounds of fresh, locally sourced food for free at the Hamilton Health Center in Steelton, PA.It’s available to anyone who needs it, no questions asked. Michael Callaghan, the manager of the program, told News 8 that this all about helping people worry about one less uncertain thing in their lives.”If people you know are hungry and you know, they are wondering, like where their next meal’s 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,” Callaghan said. “So we focused on, you know, food is medicine, so to speak.”Callaghan added that the appreciation from folks makes it all worthwhile.”You see the people go through the smiles on their face,” Callaghan said with a smile. “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 food is served on a first-come, first-served basis.According to Farm-to-Family, they are, “A growing statewide model that draws together a coalition of local farmers, food banks, health care providers and schools to break down barriers to health and wellness. The program formally launched earlier this year in Pittsburgh following a successful 2024 pilot and is on track to deliver 120,000 pounds of produce to more than 6,000 families through 25 events across Pennsylvania this year.”Members of the Steelton-Highspire School District football team will also be on-site, volunteering to assist with produce distribution — a reflection of the community-driven spirit behind Farm-to-Family’s success. “Families will leave the event not only with healthy food, but with tools, support and trust,” said Ellen Duffield, the president and CEO of Highmark Wholecare. “This is what health access looks like in action.”
STEELTON, Pa. —
As people continue to grapple with high food prices, one local program, called “Farm to Family,” is providing a free farmers market to those in need.
It’s put together by Highmark Wholecare, in collaboration with Hamilton Health Center and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
Farm-to-Family
Farm-to-Family is helping those in need with thousands of pounds of food given away for free.
One Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 1-5 p.m., they will give away over 8,000 pounds of fresh, locally sourced food for free at the Hamilton Health Center in Steelton, PA.
It’s available to anyone who needs it, no questions asked.
Michael Callaghan, the manager of the program, told News 8 that this all about helping people worry about one less uncertain thing in their lives.
Farm-to-Family
Volunteers working with folks in need for the Farm-to-Family program.
“If people you know are hungry and you know, they are wondering, like where their next meal’s 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,” Callaghan said. “So we focused on, you know, food is medicine, so to speak.”
Callaghan added that the appreciation from folks makes it all worthwhile.
“You see the people go through the smiles on their face,” Callaghan said with a smile. “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 food is served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Farm-to-Family
Farm-to-Family is giving away thousands of pounds of food to those in need.
According to Farm-to-Family, they are, “A growing statewide model that draws together a coalition of local farmers, food banks, health care providers and schools to break down barriers to health and wellness. The program formally launched earlier this year in Pittsburgh following a successful 2024 pilot and is on track to deliver 120,000 pounds of produce to more than 6,000 families through 25 events across Pennsylvania this year.”
Members of the Steelton-Highspire School District football team will also be on-site, volunteering to assist with produce distribution — a reflection of the community-driven spirit behind Farm-to-Family’s success.
“Families will leave the event not only with healthy food, but with tools, support and trust,” said Ellen Duffield, the president and CEO of Highmark Wholecare. “This is what health access looks like in action.”
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