Gov. Josh Shapiro has signaled a potential legal challenge against the federal government following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to reduce funding for Pennsylvania’s food banks.
During a press conference at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank on Tuesday, Shapiro, a Democrat, strongly criticized President Donald Trump’s administration and the USDA’s move to terminate the $1 billion Local Food Purchasing Assistance program, a key source of funding for farmers supplying fresh produce and dairy to local hunger relief organizations.
“People are going to suffer as a result of these policy decisions they are making in Washington,” Shapiro stated.
The USDA recently informed states that the program’s funding would cease, with existing agreements ending after a 60-day notification period.
Shapiro has instructed Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding to immediately contest the USDA’s decision, which he described as unexpected.
Redding sent a letter to the federal agency noting that his department “objects to and challenges this decision.” He also detailed the many farms and counties that would be negatively impacted.
The funding cuts are expected to have widespread impact for food banks, schools, and farmers throughout the state, including an $800,000 loss for Bucks County’s food assistance programs, as confirmed by county officials. The Bristol Township School District also anticipates a reduction in federal funding for student meals.
Bucks County Commissioner Chairperson Bob Harvie, a Democrat, expressed concern last week over the impact the cuts would have on nonprofit’s ability to address food insecurity.
According to state records, several Bucks County farms, including Pieri Farm in Coopersburg, Rolling Harvest Food Rescue in Solebury Township, Solebury Orchards in Solebury Township, and Trauger’s Farm Market in Kintersville, have previously benefited from the program.
Pennsylvania’s $13 million contract for the LFPA program has supported 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 food banks across the state.
Shapiro pointed to the program’s dual role in supporting both farmers and those struggling with food insecurity, noting that some farmers rely on the funds for a substantial portion of their budgets.
Dairy farmer Amy Brickner, who runs Destiny Dairy Bar in Central Pennsylvania, warned of the program’s cancellation’s detrimental effects on both farmers and vulnerable populations.
“This winter was tough — I absorbed costs I can’t afford — but I’m proud of the work I do alongside my grandmother, mother, and sons,” she said.
Data from nonprofit’s Feeding America’s 2022 report indicates that Bucks County has a food insecurity rate of nearly 9 percent, with over 56,600 residents facing food insecurity.
In addition to the Local Food Purchasing Assistance program cancellation, USDA has also paused 50 percent of money for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which puts $500 million each year to food banks nationwide.
According to reporting by Reuters, USDA has confirmed it will continue to buy food for food banks, but noted that some programs “no longer align with the agency’s goals.”
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ office said earlier this month that she is “focused on efficiency and agricultural prosperity.” Her plan for the office stated the goal is to “put the American farmer first” and streamline operations.
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