Fighting Food Insecurity through Innovative Programs
Food insecurity is a major public health concern linked to preventable chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and poor mental health. Feeding America, a nationwide food bank network, reports that 28.3 million adults in the U.S. and 1.1 million in Pennsylvania experience food insecurity. The added health care cost tied to food insecurity totals $1,863 per affected adult in Pennsylvania.
Penn State Health is committed to fighting food insecurity and strengthening community health through innovative partnerships that make healthy food more accessible. Since 2014, Penn State Health has placed growing emphasis on ensuring access to nutritious food and educating communities about the connection between nutrition and chronic disease. In partnership with Penn State College of Medicine, we offer 10 distinct food access and health education programs throughout the six core counties where we focus our community health efforts.
The programs include:
- Pantry and Wellness Support (PaWS) – health outreach
- Community Gardens
- Produce Distribution
- Farm Stand
- Food Boxes
- SNAP Outreach
- School-Based Programs
- Veggie Rx
- Community Fridge
- Food Pantry
Our food access programs are strategically located in communities with the greatest need, including Lancaster, Reading and Harrisburg, as well as rural areas such as Northern Dauphin County and Southern Lancaster County. Penn State Health offer 122 unique program locations at 98 sites.
Food programs
Community Fridge: The Community Fridge Program partners with trusted local organizations—like community centers, municipal buildings and health care clinics—to place refrigerators in neighborhoods with limited access to fresh food. Stocked weekly with nutritious fruits and vegetables from donations and food rescue, these fridges are open to all and serve as a low-barrier food access point. Community partners help maintain the fridges, creating clean, welcoming spaces where neighbors can take what they need and give when they can. Penn State Health currently operates five community fridges.
Community Gardens: The Community Garden Program transforms vacant or underused spaces in food deserts into vibrant gardens where neighbors can grow fresh produce, herbs and flowers. In partnership with local organizations, these gardens provide free access to growing space, tools and education—empowering residents to grow their own food and build community. A portion of the harvest is donated to nearby food pantries, helping to increase access to healthy, locally grown food for those facing food insecurity. Penn State Health supports 21 gardens in partnership with nonprofit and community organizations in all six core counties.
A Community Garden Toolkit is available with guides, templates and tips to help start or grow gardens in neighborhoods with limited food access.
Food Boxes: The Food Box Program provides nutrient-dense food boxes to patients identified as food insecure through clinical screenings or community referrals. Each box includes staples to support short-term food needs. Beyond immediate relief, participants are connected to long-term local resources, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), community fridges, gardens and food pantries, to help build long-term food security and overall well-being. More than 20 health care clinics provide Food Box support at their locations.
Veggie Rx: The Veggie Rx Program is a six-week produce prescription initiative for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Through screenings conducted by community partners and nurses and self-referrals, participants enroll in biweekly nutrition education classes and receive vouchers for fresh produce. The program promotes a healthy diet while increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables in a supportive, community setting
A Veggie Rx Toolkit is available to help organizations launch produce prescription programs, with ready-to-use templates, guides and best practices.
Food Pantries: The Student and Employee Food Pantries provide free, accessible food support to individuals facing food insecurity within campus and workplace communities. Stocked with shelf-stable items, fresh produce and personal care products, the pantries are open to students and employees in need. The goal is to reduce stigma, promote well-being and ensure that everyone has access to the essentials they need to thrive.
SNAP Outreach: The SNAP Outreach Program, led by the Penn State College of Medicine SNAP team, provides hands-on education to help individuals and families make the most of their SNAP benefits. Through workshops and one-on-one support, participants learn how to stretch their food dollars, shop smart and prepare healthy, affordable meals –empowering them to make lasting changes for better nutrition and well-being.
Pantries and Wellness Support: The Pantries and Wellness Support Program embeds Penn State Health Community Health nurses directly into local food pantries to provide on-site health education, screenings and referrals. While clients access food resources, they also receive personalized support to address chronic conditions, connect with health care services and improve overall well-being – bridging the gap between food access and preventive care in a trusted, community setting.
Programs Continue to Grow
Since launching in 2014, Penn State Health’s food access programs have expanded significantly. Our Pantries and Wellness Support program has grown from one location to 22 in 2025. The Community Garden program has seen similar growth – from one site to 22. Veggie Rx, which began in 2018 with one program in Berks County, now serves five counties. The Community Fridge program, launched in 2022, is also thriving with five different sites. Guided by insights from the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment, we’re continuing to expand our programs and reach more people in need.