PHILADELPHIA, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro announced a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over its abrupt cancellation of Pennsylvania’s Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement. The termination has cut $13 million in federal funding that was intended to support 189 Pennsylvania farms and provide fresh, local food to 14 food banks across the state.
The LFPA Program, launched in 2022, has been instrumental in reducing food waste, strengthening the state’s food system, and providing over 4.4 million meals to families annually. The latest three-year agreement, signed just in December 2024, was terminated without explanation by the USDA in March of this year.
“Pennsylvania farmers do the noble work of putting food on our tables,” said Governor Shapiro during a press conference at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia. “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 provided millions of meals to families across our Commonwealth. A deal is a deal, and I’ve taken legal action to ensure the federal government honors its commitment to Pennsylvania.”
Legal Action Follows Appeals and Advocacy
Governor Shapiro’s Administration attempted to appeal the USDA’s decision through multiple channels, including formal administrative appeals and direct appeals to USDA leadership in Washington, D.C. However, these efforts were ignored, leaving the state with no choice but to pursue legal action.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding emphasized the harm the termination has caused, stating, “The USDA’s decision was not just unexpected—it was unlawful, and it has already caused serious harm to Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry. This is about real people—the farmers, producers, and rural communities who are now facing uncertainty as a result.”
The USDA claimed that Pennsylvania had unspent funds in the program, but state officials clarified that funds are reimbursed only after expenses are incurred, meaning the state was in compliance.
Farmers and Food Banks Face Challenges
The funding cut has created significant challenges for farmers and one of the state’s largest food banks, which heavily relied on the LFPA support. Share Food Program, based in Philadelphia, serves nearly one million people each month, including over 83,000 seniors. Executive Director George Matysik described the impact of the funding loss.
“At Share, we believe food is a human right and hunger is a solvable problem,” said Matysik. “The LFPA program helped us source nutritious food from local farms—but now, with demand at record highs, this cut will hurt real people and damage trust.”
Brian Campbell, owner of Brian Campbell Farms, highlighted how the program allowed him to provide fresh food to food banks statewide. “Programs like LFPA made it possible for farmers to cover the basic costs of harvesting, packaging, and delivering fresh produce to food banks,” Campbell explained. “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, shared a similar sentiment. “Thanks to LFPA, we’ve grown our giving program from 8,000 pounds in 2017 to over 26,000 pounds in 2024. These programs don’t just feed people—they connect people.”
Economic and Agricultural Consequences
The termination of the LFPA Program funding has broader implications for Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy. Agriculture is a pillar of the state’s economy, supporting over 53,000 farms that generate $132.5 billion annually and employ 600,000 people. Pennsylvania uniquely uses LFPA funding exclusively to support in-state farmers, ensuring federal dollars strengthen the local economy.
With demand at food banks soaring by 120% in just three years and the agricultural sector facing its toughest market conditions in decades, the loss of this funding creates a dual crisis for food-insecure families and struggling farmers.
A Commitment to Agriculture and Food Security
Governor Shapiro affirmed his administration’s prioritization of agriculture as a key element of Pennsylvania’s economic future. Initiatives such as the Agricultural Innovation Grant and the revival of the Fresh Food Financing Initiative underscore the state’s focus on building a sustainable food system.
“In the face of these challenges, our commitment to Pennsylvania farmers and families remains unwavering,” said Shapiro. “We will do whatever it takes to protect the livelihoods of our farmers and ensure families have access to fresh, nutritious food.”
The lawsuit, filed this week, seeks to restore the $13 million in funding that Pennsylvania farms, food banks, and families depend on. For now, the state’s legal challenge represents a critical fight to uphold commitments to its agricultural community amid increasing economic strain and food insecurity.
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