Allegheny Health Network announced on April 7 a $50,000 charitable sponsorship from PNC Bank to support the Healthy Food Center at AHN Jefferson Hospital. The funding aims to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes for patients in Pittsburgh’s South Hills and the Mon Valley.
The issue of food insecurity is significant as it impacts patients’ ability to manage and prevent chronic diseases. By supporting access to nutritious foods tailored to medical needs, the initiative seeks to remove barriers that can affect overall well-being.
With this investment, the pantry space at the Healthy Food Center will be renamed the PNC Pantry. Chong Park, MD, president of AHN Jefferson Hospital, said, “Access to healthy food is essential to overall health and well-being. The generosity of PNC allows us to continue meeting patients where they are by addressing one of the most significant social drivers of health. This investment helps ensure our patients not only receive excellent medical care, but also the nutritional support necessary to manage and prevent chronic disease.”
The funding will also help expand referral pathways through Physician Partners of Western PA—a clinically integrated network affiliated with AHN—broadening provider participation in connecting patients directly with nutrition support services. Since opening in September 2020 as part of AHN’s Center for Inclusion Health, Jefferson’s Healthy Food Center has provided nearly 122,000 meals. In 2025 alone, it recorded 1,235 patient visits and distributed more than 29,000 meals while offering nutrition education and connections to community resources.
AHN operates several Healthy Food Centers across Western Pennsylvania as part of its commitment to addressing social determinants of health through physician referrals that provide personalized nutrition guidance aligned with individual conditions.
Nebeyou Abebe, senior vice president of social determinants of health for Highmark Health said: “PNC Bank’s investment reflects a shared commitment to building healthier communities. Programs like our Healthy Food Centers demonstrate how partnerships between health care and community organizations can create meaningful, lasting impact. This support strengthens our ability to care for the whole person and expand access to essential resources across our network.”
Lou Cestello, head of Regional Presidents and regional president for Pittsburgh at PNC Bank said: “We are proud to support this initiative as part of PNC’s broader commitment to Western Pennsylvania. Through a shared commitment with Allegheny Health Network, we’re investing in solutions to strengthen communities across the Pittsburgh region.”
