Pennsylvania governor sues USDA for ending food purchasing program
Pennsylvania governor sues USDA for ending food purchasing program
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvania’s Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program agreement — a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food.
Despite repeated efforts to appeal the decision through the USDA’s internal process, the USDA ignored Pennsylvania’s requests to reinstate the agreement to support farmers across the commonwealth. On Wednesday, Gov. Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Russel Redding visited the Share Food Program in Philadelphia to announce the lawsuit.
Over the past two-and-a-half years, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has administered more than $28 million in federal LFPA funding to reduce food waste, deliver local produce and strengthen the state’s food system. The sudden loss of an additional $13 million in expected funding has disrupted food bank operations and created gaps in service.
Brian Campbell, owner and founder of Brian Campbell Farms, said, “I started providing fresh fruits and vegetables to Pennsylvania food banks several years ago — from Share in Philadelphia to food banks in Pittsburgh, Mercer County, and across Central PA. That work gave me a deep appreciation for what food insecurity really looks like. Whether someone is going through a tough time or has long struggled to make ends meet, the need is real — and the people who dedicate their time to helping others are truly inspiring. It’s not just about putting food on the table — it’s about providing healthy, nutritious options that can change lives. Programs like LFPA made it possible for farmers to cover the basic costs of harvesting, packaging, and delivering fresh produce to food banks. It was enough support to make it doable, and that made all the difference for the people we serve.”
Julie McCabe, executive director of Pennypack Farm & Education Center, said, “Thanks to LFPA, we’ve grown our giving program from 8,000 pounds in 2017 to over 26,000 pounds in 2024. In some food pantries, we’re the only source of fresh produce. These programs don’t just feed people — they connect people.”
“The USDA’s decision was not just unexpected — it was unlawful, and it has already caused serious harm to Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry," said Secretary Redding. "This is about real people — the farmers, producers and rural communities who are now facing uncertainty as a result. These are hardworking men and women who put food on our tables, support local economies, and preserve our farmland for future generations.”