Legal Battle Ensues: Pennsylvania Challenges USDA's Termination of Food Funding Program
Pennsylvania has taken legal action against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alleging that the agency, during the Trump administration, unlawfully terminated funding for a program aimed at distributing over $1 billion to states for purchasing food from farms for schools, child care centers, and food banks. Governor Josh Shapiro announced the lawsuit, challenging the USDA's decision to end the pandemic-era assistance program, which was communicated to states three months prior. The lawsuit seeks to reverse the USDA's termination of the contract, arguing that it was illegal and lacked sufficient explanation for the decision.
Shapiro criticized the USDA's move, questioning its priorities in light of the program's impact on feeding people and supporting farmers. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Harrisburg contends that the USDA's actions were unjustified and violated the terms of the contract with Pennsylvania. The state stands to lose $13 million under the terminated contract, which was intended to procure food from farms to supply food banks, school nutrition programs, and child care centers with commodities like cheese, eggs, meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Shapiro expressed confidence in Pennsylvania's legal challenge, emphasizing the importance of honoring agreements made with farmers and the state. The lawsuit aims to hold the USDA accountable for its decision to end the reimbursement program without valid reasons. The Department of Agriculture, now under President Joe Biden, had previously announced a second round of funding through the program in the previous year. The outcome of the lawsuit will determine the future of the funding program and its impact on food distribution in Pennsylvania.