Easton, PA - March 10, 2022 - As we near the two year-milestone of the pandemic, Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), Highmark and Scholl Orchards will honor frontline heroes with a sweet, healthy treat through the Apple of My Eye campaign. Starting March 16, healthcare workers, teachers, first responders and City of Easton municipal employees can visit the Highmark Farmstand at Easton Public Market to pick up a free half peck (about 5 pounds) of fresh apples from Scholl Orchards. The market is a program of the nonprofit GEDP.

“Healthcare workers, frontline employees and teachers have worked tirelessly for two years, fighting through this pandemic to keep us healthy and keep us going,” said Megan McBride, director-Easton Market District (GEDP). “We want them to feel seen. And we wanted to find a way to say thank you for all that they’ve done and all that they’ve sacrificed.”

This is the second installment of the Apple of My Eye campaign, which distributed 5,000 pounds of apples to frontline workers in fall 2020. Organizers hope to distribute even more apples this time — with a goal to give away 5,120 pounds of EverCrisp®  apples over the run of the two-week campaign. The campaign will wrap up March 27. 

“Frontline workers continue to face new and unprecedented challenges associated with the pandemic, and we must remain steadfast in our support and encouragement of their tireless efforts,” said Kathleen McKenzie, vice president of community affairs for Highmark Blue Shield. “Highmark is proud to be part of this initiative to show its gratitude and appreciation for our dedicated community heroes."

Qualified individuals just need to show their employee ID at the Highmark Farmstand at Easton Public Market, 325 Northampton St., to receive their apples (while supplies last).

“It was also important to us to recognize and support our local farmers in this effort, which is why we partnered with Scholl Orchards for this promotion,” McBride said.

Scholl Orchards, a fourth generation family farm in Bethlehem, Pa., has been growing apples since the 1930s. Scholl Orchards has a variety of fruit trees and has expanded its apple offerings in recent years to include EverCrisp®, Ludacrisp and Rosalee. Scholl Orchards has been a longtime partner of the Highmark Farmstand at the Easton Public Market, and at Easton Farmers’ Market.

Easton Public Market is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Find more information about the market at eastonpublicmarket.com.

ABOUT: Easton Public Market (EPM) is a project of the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP). EPM is a community-supported market offering the personal service and superior quality of an old world grocery store, combined with a modern dining experience. Featuring artisanal food vendors, a farm stand, demonstration kitchen, and community room, EPM serves as a vibrant gathering space for shopping, dining and learning. GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on nurturing Easton's economic well-being and cultural vibrancy. It encompasses Easton Farmers’ Market, Easton Main Street Initiative, Easton Public Market, Easton Ambassadors and PA Bacon Fest. For more information, contact Executive Director Jared Mast at 610-250-2078 or [email protected]. Visit us online at eastonpartnership.org.