Highmark Wholecare

Farmer’s Market Initiative-CSR

Corporate social responsibility is no longer about writing a check —

it’s about showing up where it matters most and giving back to the communities we serve through volunteering and partnering.

We saw communities struggling with more than just health care access. Schools, seniors, and rural towns were quietly fighting food insecurity. Parents weren’t asking for handouts — they were asking for help feeding their children.

Despite having one of the largest Medicaid/Medicare networks in the region, their connection to its members often ended at the clinic door. Social Determinants of Health, such as food deserts, lack of transportation, and nutritional gaps, were keeping families sick and out of reach of preventative care. Rooted in the organization’s philosophy of whole-person health, the Farm-to-Family initiative is designed to address health-related social needs by increasing access to nutritious foods and preventive care in underserved areas. The initiative reflects a growing national consensus that food is medicine and echoes bipartisan priorities to promote healthier lifestyles through access to whole, nutrient-rich foods.

The Farmer’s Market initiative is a collaboration with local food banks and school districts. Together, they delivered 115,000+ pounds of produce to 6,000+ families across 25 events, while offering biometric screenings and Medicaid renewal services onsite.

Media deliverables include:

• Print: Fresh produce giveaway draws steady stream to Monessen

• Print: ‘Everything helps’: Highmark program delivers 9,100 lbs. of free produce to families at Sto-Rox school

• Television: Produce provided to families at free farmers market in Bellevue

• Television: Healthcare Org. pushing to expand fresh food initiative in 2025

Return on Investment

40% increase in community participation year-over-year. New partnerships with 20+ Title I schools. Strong brand lift and stakeholder buy-in that’s transforming how healthcare shows up in the real world.

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