(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Jefferson Hills, PA) Allegheny Health Network’s Center for Inclusion Health has received an $80,000 grant from The Heinz Endowments to expand access to its Healthy Food Center at AHN Jefferson Hospital, the organizations announced today.

The funding will allow the program to accept referrals from non-AHN medical providers, including several independent physician practices and a federally qualified health center serving communities near Jefferson Hospital.

The Healthy Food Center provides free nutritious food and nutrition counseling to patients experiencing food insecurity and managing chronic health conditions. The Jefferson Hospital location has served more than 120,000 meals since opening in 2020.

Previously, participation in the program required a referral from an AHN physician.

Nearly 16% of households in the Jefferson Hospital service area receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, compared to about 13% countywide. In some nearby communities including Clairton, Duquesne, Elizabeth borough, Homestead, McKeesport and West Elizabeth, more than one-quarter of households rely on SNAP, according to data provided by the organizations.