Governor Shapiro Takes Legal Action Against USDA for Termination of Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has taken legal action against the U.S. Department of Agriculture for terminating the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, which provided support to 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite appeals and meetings with the USDA, the decision was not reversed, leading to the current lawsuit. Shapiro emphasized the importance of honoring commitments to farmers and ensuring access to fresh, local food for families in need.
The governor announced the lawsuit at a press conference in Philadelphia, highlighting the impact of the program on Pennsylvania farmers and food banks. He criticized the Trump administration for prioritizing other issues over supporting farmers and providing meals to families. Shapiro's decision to sue the federal government was driven by the need to uphold agreements and protect the interests of Pennsylvania farmers who relied on the program for income.
At the press conference, Shapiro was joined by Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Share Food Program executive director George Matysik, farmer Brian Campbell, and Pennypack Farm & Education Center Executive Director Julie McCabe. They expressed gratitude for the program's contributions to food distribution and emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers and communities. McCabe highlighted the significant increase in fresh produce donations made possible by the program, underscoring its role in connecting people and addressing food insecurity.
The Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, which received over $1 billion in federal funding through three-year contracts, allocated $13 million to Pennsylvania for purchasing food from local farms. The program supported food banks, school nutrition programs, and child care centers, contributing to the distribution of fresh produce to those in need. The termination of the program in Pennsylvania in March 2024 prompted Governor Shapiro to take legal action to hold the federal government accountable for its commitments to farmers and food assistance programs.
In conclusion, Governor Josh Shapiro's lawsuit against the USDA reflects his commitment to supporting Pennsylvania farmers and ensuring access to fresh, local food for families in need. The termination of the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program has had a significant impact on farmers and food banks in the state, prompting Shapiro to take legal action to uphold agreements and protect the interests of those affected by the program's discontinuation.