BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Gov. Josh Shapiro has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Agriculture Department after the agency canceled $13 million in funding to connect local farms and food banks.
“Pennsylvania farmers do the noble work of putting food on our tables," Shapiro said in a Wednesday news release.
"And for the last three years, they’ve been paid to provide fresh, local food to food banks across our commonwealth as part of a successful federal initiative.
“That’s not just bad policy — it’s a broken promise. A deal is a deal, and I’ve taken legal action today to ensure the federal government honors its commitment to Pennsylvania.”Gov. Josh Shapiro, in a release
“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 helped provide over 4.4 million meals to families across the commonwealth.
“That’s not just bad policy — it’s a broken promise. A deal is a deal, and I’ve taken legal action today to ensure the federal government honors its commitment to Pennsylvania.”
In March, President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency abruptly — and illegally, state officials argue — canceled Pennsylvania’s $13 million contract with the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program.
The coronavirus pandemic-era program, administered through the USDA, paid commonwealth farmers to supply local food banks with fresh produce.
Even though state officials have appealed the decision, USDA officials on May 7 officially terminated the agreement, according to the release.
For Second Harvest Food Bank, the organization that distributed funds in the Lehigh Valley, canceling the program affects 40 farmers and 170 food pantries across its six-county coverage area.
‘It was unlawful’
The state Agriculture Department has administered more than $28 million in federal LFPA funding since 2022, according to the release.
It’s helped food banks reduce waste, distribute local produce and strengthen the state’s food system.
The most recent three-year contract was signed in December. Officials said it was canceled without explanation.
State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding appealed the decision. However, “USDA officials failed to provide any justification or engage in the formal appeals process,” according to the release.
“The USDA’s decision was not just unexpected — it was unlawful, and it has already caused serious harm to Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry.”State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
“The USDA’s decision was not just unexpected — it was unlawful, and it has already caused serious harm to Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry,” Redding said.
“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.
"Governor Shapiro is fighting for our farmers because the stakes are far too high.”
In response to the cuts, Northampton County officials in April announced they will provide $100,000 in grants to schools and community organizations, providing food and housing aid.
The money came from the remaining CARES Act federal pandemic aid money distributed through the Community Development Block Grant program.
