A significant disagreement has emerged between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and the Trump administration regarding the termination of a vital funding program for local farmers and food banks. The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), established in 2021 under President Joe Biden's administration, aimed to support nearly 190 farms and 13 regional food banks across the state. However, the Trump administration announced in March that it would be ending this initiative, causing concern among those reliant on its resources. Governor Shapiro argues that the federal government broke a three-year contract after only four months, emphasizing the importance of honoring agreements made with Pennsylvania.
The LFPA program has been pivotal in fostering relationships between farmers and food banks throughout Pennsylvania. Amy Brickner, a third-generation dairy farmer from Cumberland County, expressed her desire to continue benefiting from grant programs like LFPA, which assist farmers while giving back to their communities. Similarly, Logan Brace, owner of Brace’s Orchard in Luzerne County, highlighted the positive impact of the program on his business through partnerships with regional food banks. These collaborations have allowed for regular orders and surplus purchases, helping cover operational costs during off-seasons.
Food banks are also deeply concerned about the potential consequences of losing such substantial funding. Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, warned that the cut could mean losing $1.8 million over 15 months, equating to 500,000 fewer meals reaching vulnerable populations each month. This reduction not only affects meal provision but also diminishes resources available to local farmers supplying fresh produce essential for the program's success.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited central Pennsylvania in April to address these issues, defending the Trump administration's agricultural policies. She disputed claims by Governor Shapiro's administration that $13 million in funding was being canceled, asserting instead that sufficient funds remain accessible via state accounts. Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding countered this statement in a letter to Rollins, clarifying that Pennsylvania uses its own funds initially before seeking reimbursement from the USDA. He emphasized the Commonwealth's commitment to maintaining its end of the agreement and urged reconsideration of the decision to terminate further contracts.
As uncertainty persists, food banks continue exploring alternative avenues to bridge financial gaps caused by this decision. Both the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank are actively seeking increased donor support while advocating for legislative action to restore funding through proposals like the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS). Advocates stress the necessity of public engagement with elected representatives to ensure awareness of ongoing challenges related to food insecurity within their regions.
Despite ongoing negotiations, the future remains uncertain for Pennsylvania's farmers and food banks dependent upon federal assistance programs. As discussions progress, stakeholders emphasize the critical need for sustained investment in initiatives promoting both agricultural sustainability and community well-being across the state.