Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for terminating the state’s Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement, a $13 million initiative supporting 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 food banks.
The announcement was made at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, where Shapiro was joined by Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, farmers, and food program leaders.
The LFPA Program, funded by the USDA, provided locally grown food from Pennsylvania farms to food banks across the state. According to the Shapiro Administration, the abrupt cancellation of the agreement by the USDA halted funding that would have supported over 4.4 million meals for families in need.
The state attempted to appeal the USDA’s decision through multiple channels, including an administrative appeal, direct outreach to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and in-person meetings in Washington, D.C. These efforts were unsuccessful, prompting the legal action.
The Shapiro Administration is seeking to restore the agreement and ensure continued support for Pennsylvania farmers and food banks.
Speakers at the announcement included:
- George Matysik, Executive Director, Share Food Program
- Governor Josh Shapiro
- Brian Campbell, Owner and Founder, Brian Campbell Farms
- Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Julie McCabe, Executive Director, Pennypack Farm & Education Center
