Our STORY
UPMC Pinnacle Foundation Farm to Hospital Program
Vision
The UPMC Pinnacle Foundation Farm to Hospital Program is dedicated to sustaining a year-round working farm on the campus of UPMC Memorial that serves as a source of nourishment, education, and hope. Inspired by Dr. KimberLee Mudge, breast surgeon at UPMC Leader Surgical Associates, the program is rooted in the belief that food is foundational to healing.
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Designed to address food insecurity and the root causes of illness, the program expands access to fresh, nutritious food while connecting patients, families, and the broader community to education, partnerships, and wellness initiatives.
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By bringing healthcare and agriculture together, we are helping create healthier individuals and stronger communities.
Impact
Through the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation's partnership with York Fresh Food Farms, the program provides a reliable, year-round supply of fresh produce for patients, local charitable food programs, CSA members, and the UPMC Memorial and UPMC Hanover campuses.
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The Foundation supports the farm's daily operations by funding a full-time farm manager and collaborating on crop planning and seasonal production. In partnership with UPMC dietitians and nutrition professionals, the program also delivers health and nutrition education that empowers individuals and families to make informed choices and build lasting wellness.
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This work is made possible through the generosity of supporters who share our vision, including the Memorial Health Fund of the York County Community Foundation, the Powder Mill Foundation, First Capital Federal Credit Union, York Excavating Co., and many other partners committed to improving community health.
Looking Ahead
The Farm to Hospital Program is building a future where healthcare extends beyond hospital walls. Plans include expanding the distribution of fresh, ready-to-eat produce, strengthening partnerships throughout the charitable food network, integrating nutrition education into patient care, and exploring produce prescription programs that connect fresh food directly to individual health needs.
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By addressing the social factors that influence health and increasing access to nutritious food, the program is helping individuals and families build healthier, more resilient lives while transforming the way healthcare supports our communities.
A Legacy of Healthcare Transformed
By attending Forchetta Fest, you aren't just enjoying an exciting event; you're becoming a vital partner of the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation. Together, we are addressing the root causes of illness through nutrition, ensuring that every member of our community has the foundation of health they deserve.