By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for ending a $13 million agreement that supported the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program. This program directly helped 189 local farms and supplied fresh produce to 14 food banks across the state.
The LFPA program, part of a broader $28 million federal initiative, helped reduce food waste and improve food access by connecting farms with food banks. Pennsylvania officials say the USDA terminated the agreement without proper cause or warning. Despite the state's repeated appeals, the USDA did not reinstate the funding, which led to the legal action.
Governor Shapiro and Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding made the announcement at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, a major food distributor that relies on LFPA resources to serve families in need. “The USDA’s decision was not just unexpected — it was unlawful, and it has already caused serious harm to Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry. This is about real people — the farmers, producers, and rural communities who are now facing uncertainty as a result. These are hardworking men and women who put food on our tables, support local economies, and preserve our farmland for future generations. Governor Shapiro is fighting for our farmers because the stakes are far too high,” said Secretary Redding, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
The sudden funding cut has disrupted food bank operations, creating serious gaps in services and impacting farm income. Many food banks now face increased demand, while farmers lose the support they depended on for harvesting, packaging, and delivering fresh food.
Local farmers and leaders have supported the Governor’s move. “I started providing fresh fruits and vegetables to Pennsylvania food banks several years ago — from Share in Philadelphia to food banks in Pittsburgh, Mercer County, and across Central PA. That work gave me a deep appreciation for what food insecurity really looks like. Whether someone is going through a tough time or has long struggled to make ends meet, the need is real — and the people who dedicate their time to helping others are truly inspiring. It’s not just about putting food on the table — it’s about providing healthy, nutritious options that can change lives. Programs like LFPA made it possible for farmers to cover the basic costs of harvesting, packaging, and delivering fresh produce to food banks. It was enough support to make it doable, and that made all the difference for the people we serve,” said Brian Campbell, Owner and Founder of Brian Campbell Farms.
The Share Food Program’s director, George Matysik, emphasized the damage, stating, “At a time when demand has risen 120% in three years, losing LFPA hurts real people.”
Governor Shapiro’s lawsuit aims to restore this vital support for Pennsylvania’s farmers and communities.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business