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Gov. Shapiro announces USDA appeal in light of program cuts

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — After the U.S. Department of Agriculture terminated the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program, Governor Josh Shapiro announced his administration will be appealing the decision. The LFPA provides funds to Pennsylvania farmers who supply local food banks with fresh produce, with the Commonwealth being one of the only states in the nation that uses the program to exclusively support in-state farmers. In response to the LFPA Program being terminated, Shapiro directed the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell Redding to challenge the USDA's decision to cancel the Commonwealth's $13 million contract. The USDA's termination of its contract with PDA, which was signed in December 2024, has left 14 food banks to face severe financial gaps. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank serves 27 counties and sees more than 253,000 people each month. 'Pennsylvania farmers do the noble work of putting food on our table – and for the last three years, they have been paid to provide fresh, local food to food banks across our Commonwealth as part of a successful federal initiative,' Governor Shapiro said. 'But earlier this month, we received notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that the Trump Administration had decided to cancel our agreement. As a result of this unlawful action, 189 Pennsylvania farms will lose a critical source of revenue – and 14 food banks across the Commonwealth will lose access to local, fresh food. I've directed Secretary Redding to immediately appeal the USDA's decision to unlawfully terminate this agreement and demand that the federal government honor their obligations under the agreement we signed just four months ago.' Shapiro noted that if the USDA does not reverse its decision, the state is prepared to pursue further legal action to safeguard vital revenue streams for farmers and ensure uninterrupted food access for residents. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.