Farm to Hospital Program

The goal of the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation Farm to Hospital Program is to sustain a year-round, working farm on the UPMC Memorial campus that serves as a source of nourishment, education, and hope. 

 

Designed to address food insecurity and the root causes of illness, the program improves health and wellness by expanding access to fresh, nutritious food while connecting patients, families, and the broader community to education, partnerships, and wellness initiative.. With a future-focused vision that includes prescribing fresh produce tailored to individual health needs, the farm supports healing beyond the hospital walls, helping individuals and families build healthier, more resilient lives and communities.

 

Inspired by Dr. KimberLee Mudge, a breast surgeon at UPMC Leader Surgical Associates, the Farm to Hospital Program is grounded in the belief that food is foundational to healing. Through the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation’s partnership with York Fresh Food Farms, the program transforms that belief into action by ensuring a consistent, year-round supply of fresh produce for those who need it most. 

The Foundation supports daily operations by funding a full-time farm manager and collaborating on crop selection and seasonal rotation. Produce is shared throughout York City, local CSA programs, and the UPMC Memorial and UPMC Hanover campuses through UPMC Food Services and York Fresh Food Farms, while health and nutrition education led alongside UPMC dietitians and nutritionists helps individuals move beyond recovery toward lasting wellness. 

The UPMC Pinnacle Foundation continues to seek partners committed to the power of nourishment, with generous support from the Memorial Health Fund of the York County Community Foundation, the Powder Mill Foundation, First Capital Federal Credit Union, and York Excavating Co., helping ensure that health and wellness are accessible to all.

 

Building on its strong foundation, the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation Farm to Hospital Program continues to expand its impact on food access and health education across our community. In 2026, the program will focus on increasing the distribution of fresh, ready-to-eat produce, strengthening partnerships within the charitable food network, and enhancing collaboration with clinical teams to better support patients experiencing food insecurity.

The initiative will also prioritize integrating nutrition education with patient care and exploring opportunities to support chronic disease prevention and management through access to healthy food.