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June 04, 2025 - Philadelphia, PA

Fighting for Pennsylvania Farmers: Governor Shapiro Files Lawsuit Against USDA's Unlawful Termination of Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program

Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvania's Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement - a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food.

Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administration's commitment to defending Pennsylvania's agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.

The Shapiro Administration tried to appeal the USDA's unlawful termination of the LFPA25 agreement, filing an administrative appeal through the USDA, reaching out to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and even traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with USDA leadership. Despite those efforts, the USDA ignored Pennsylvania's requests to support farmers across the Commonwealth - leaving the Shapiro Administration with no other choice but to sue.

"Pennsylvania farmers do the noble work of putting food on our tables - and for the last three years, they've been paid to provide fresh, local food to food banks across our Commonwealth as part of a successful federal initiative," said Governor Shapiro. "When the USDA abruptly terminated our agreement without cause, they ripped away a reliable source of income for 189 Pennsylvania farms - and cut off funding that would have helped provide over 4.4 million meals to families across the Commonwealth. That's not just bad policy - it's a broken promise. A deal is a deal, and I've taken legal action today to ensure the federal government honors its commitment to Pennsylvania."

Speaker list:
George Matysik, Executive Director, Share Food Program
Governor Josh Shapiro
Brian Campbell, Owner and Founder, Brian Campbell Farms
Secretary Russell Redding, PA Department of Agriculture
Julie McCabe, Executive Director, Pennypack Farm & Education Center



Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_000.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_001.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_002.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_003.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_004.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_005.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_006.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_007.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_008.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_009.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_010.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_011.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_012.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_013.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_014.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_015.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_016.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_017.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvanias Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food...Speaking at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, the Governor was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers to announce the legal challenge and reaffirm his Administrations commitment to defending Pennsylvanias agricultural producers and ensuring continued access to healthy food for families in need.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27877_gov_LFPA_018.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>