By Blake Jackson
Governor Josh Shapiro has announced that his administration is appealing the USDA's termination of the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program, which provides funding to Pennsylvania farmers for supplying local food banks with fresh produce.
Shapiro has directed Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell Redding to immediately challenge the USDA's decision to cancel Pennsylvania’s $13 million contract.
The LFPA program has successfully delivered over $28 million in federal funds to Pennsylvania farmers over the past two and a half years, enabling food banks to provide fresh, local food to those in need.
However, the USDA abruptly canceled the program's continuation, which was set to provide an additional $13 million over the next three years. This decision impacts 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 food banks.
"Pennsylvania farmers do the noble work of putting food on our table and for the last three years, they have been paid to provide fresh, local food to food banks across our Commonwealth as part of a successful federal initiative," said Governor Shapiro.
"But earlier this month, we received notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that the Trump Administration had decided to cancel our agreement. As a result of this unlawful action, 189 Pennsylvania farms will lose a critical source of revenue – and 14 food banks across the Commonwealth will lose access to local, fresh food. I’ve directed Secretary Redding to immediately appeal the USDA’s decision to unlawfully terminate this agreement and demand that the federal government honor their obligations under the agreement we signed just four months ago.”
Governor Shapiro is committed to safeguarding Pennsylvania’s agricultural and food systems. If the USDA does not reverse its decision, the state is prepared to pursue further legal action.
Pennsylvania is unique in using the LFPA Program to exclusively support in-state farmers, ensuring federal dollars stay within the Commonwealth. This program is crucial, especially as food banks face record demand and farmers endure challenging market conditions.
Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal also includes increased support for programs like PASS and the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP), aiming to connect low-income residents with healthy, local food.
Additionally, he is advocating for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity, such as raising the minimum wage and reducing costs for Pennsylvanians.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy