PNC Bank Supports Expansion of AHN Jefferson Hospital Healthy Food Center, Enhancing Access to Nutritious Food for Patients

PNC's investment advances AHN's food-as-medicine initiative

JEFFERSON HILLS, Pa. (April 7, 2026) - Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced a $50,000 charitable sponsorship from PNC Bank in support of the Healthy Food Center at AHN Jefferson Hospital to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes across Pittsburgh's South Hills and the Mon Valley.

In recognition of the investment, the Healthy Food Center's pantry space will now be known as the PNC Pantry.

PNC's support ensures patients and families experiencing food insecurity have continued access to nutritious foods tailored to their medical and dietary needs.

Since opening in September 2020 as part of AHN's Center for Inclusion Health, the Jefferson Hospital Healthy Food Center has served as a critical resource connecting health care and nutrition through AHN's food-as-medicine approach.

"Access to healthy food is essential to overall health and well-being," said Chong Park, MD, president of AHN Jefferson Hospital. "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."

In addition to supporting food inventory, the investment comes at a time of growing access to Healthy Food Center services. AHN is expanding referral pathways through Physician Partners of Western PA, a clinically integrated network (CIN) of physician practices affiliated with the health system, broadening the number of providers who can connect patients directly to nutrition support services.

This expansion will significantly increase the Healthy Food Center's reach, enabling more patients across the Jefferson region and surrounding communities to receive referrals and ongoing support.

Since its opening, Jefferson's Healthy Food Center has delivered measurable impact for patients and families facing food insecurity, including providing nearly 122,000 meals. In 2025 alone, the center recorded 1,235 patient visits and provided more than 29,000 meals while offering nutrition education, healthy cooking guidance, and connections to community resources.

AHN operates multiple Healthy Food Centers across Western Pennsylvania as part of its broader commitment to addressing social determinants of health. Through physician referrals, patients receive personalized nutrition guidance and groceries aligned with their health conditions, helping reduce barriers to care beyond the clinical setting.

"PNC Bank's investment reflects a shared commitment to building healthier communities," said Nebeyou Abebe, senior vice president of social determinants of health for Highmark Health. "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."

"We are proud to support this initiative as part of PNC's broader commitment to Western Pennsylvania," said Lou Cestello, head of Regional Presidents and regional president for Pittsburgh, PNC Bank. "Through a shared commitment with Allegheny Health Network, we're investing in solutions to strengthen communities across the Pittsburgh region."