Pennsylvania invests $4 million in fresh food

By Blake Jackson

Pennsylvania's Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI) is back, offering $4 million in grants to businesses working to increase access to fresh food across the state.

The announcement comes from Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, who highlighted the initiative's role in connecting communities with affordable, local produce.

Governor Josh Shapiro allocated $2 million per year for the FFFI's revival, following its previous funding through the CARES Act. The initiative specifically targets "food deserts" areas lacking access to fresh food options.

“Pennsylvania farmers are at the top of their game at producing fresh, healthy food, Secretary Redding said. “But too many families struggle to find or afford fresh food in their communities, and their health suffers. Fresh Food Financing grants help grocery stores and markets in those communities expand to meet that need. The initiative is one more way the Shapiro Administration is investing in opportunities for Pennsylvania farms, food businesses, and families to succeed.”

According to Feeding America, over one in nine Pennsylvanians faced food insecurity in 2022, including 436,000 children. Many of these families reside in areas without readily available fresh food sources.

Erie Food Co-op, a recipient of past FFFI funding, exemplifies the initiative's impact. "Funding from the FFFI has allowed us to upgrade our aging equipment to bring needed technological advancements that otherwise may have been cost prohibitive," said CEO LeAnna Nieratko. "These advancements allow us to be competitive with larger chains and help us keep costs down as we are often the closest, most accessible source of fresh food in our neighborhood."

Applications for FFFI grants open on November 2nd and close on January 18th. Details will be available on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website.

Eligible businesses include grocery stores, markets, mobile markets, farm stands, and others directly selling fresh food to consumers. Priority will be given to businesses in food deserts, women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses.

The FFFI complements other Shapiro Administration programs aimed at increasing access to healthy food, including:

• $46.5 million for universal free breakfast and lunch programs for Pennsylvania public school students.
• $2 million increase for emergency food assistance, connecting surplus food with food banks, and providing Senior Food Boxes.
• Establishment and staffing of the Pennsylvania Food Policy Council to address food insecurity and waste.

Governor Shapiro's budget and Economic Development Strategy highlight agriculture as a pillar of Pennsylvania's future success. The FFFI relaunch reflects this commitment to supporting a robust and accessible food system for all Pennsylvanians.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera