March 25, 2025 - Harrisburg, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is appealing the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) unlawful termination of the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program, which provides funds to Pennsylvania's farmers who supply local food banks with fresh produce. The Governor has directed Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell Redding to immediately challenge USDA's abrupt and irrational decision to cancel Pennsylvania's $13 million contract for the LFPA program - which supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 food banks across the Commonwealth. Over the past two and a half years, the PDA has driven out more than $28 million in federal funding from the LFPA program to local farmers across the Commonwealth - and in return, food banks have gotten fresh, local food from Pennsylvania farmers to help them feed our most vulnerable neighbors. That same program was set to provide $13 million over the next three years to support the purchase of more fresh, locally grown food for food banks. However, earlier this month, the Shapiro Administration received notice from the federal government that they were abruptly canceling Pennsylvania's contract. This reckless cut comes amid increased strain the federal government is imposing on Pennsylvania farmers through reckless tariffs. Governor Shapiro announced that his Administration is taking this action after hosting a roundtable discussion with local leaders and farmers from Adams, Cumberland, and Schuylkill counties at the Central PA Food Bank. List of Speakers:Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food BankGovernor ShapiroAmy Brickner, who runs Destiny Dairy Bar Chris Hoffman, President of the Pennsylvania Farm BureauSecretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Department of AgricultureRepresentative Justin Fleming
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