Highmark recommitment keeps fresh, healthy foods available in downtown Easton amid residential growth

A feast for the eyes: As part of Highmark’s recommitment, EPM visitors – more than 5,000 each week – will be treated to newly remodeled Highmark Farmstand décor that will showcase local farmers and celebrate the region’s food heritage in addition to new Highmark and Highmark Farmstand logos.

No food desert: Amid continued residential growth in downtown Easton, the Highmark Farmstand in the Easton Public Market (EPM) has been pivotal to ensuring that city residents have ready access to fresh produce and healthy foods five days a week since 2016, alleviating the food desert problem that plagues so many urban areas.

Supporting local foodways: Highmark Blue Shield and non-for-profit Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP) renewed their partnership in 2022. GEDP operates the Highmark Farmstand, which focuses on local sourcing of produce, dairy, eggs, and other items to support local foodways.

New SNAP partner in 2023: Highmark Farmstand welcomes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Philadelphia-based The Food Trust (thefoodtrust.org) will double SNAP purchases up to $10 through the use of Food Bucks for fruits and veggies when shoppers spend at least $2 using SNAP. GEDP markets are the first Lehigh Valley locations to partner with Philly not-for-profit.

Information provided to TVL by:
Michael Drabenstott
Drabenstott Communications Group