"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. At a time when demand at our food bank has risen 120 percent in just three years, losing LFPA hurts real people — and breaks a promise that should have been kept." 

"Programs like LFPA made it possible for farmers to cover the basic costs of harvesting, packaging, and delivering fresh produce to food banks. It was enough support to make it doable, and that made all the difference for the people we serve.” 

"In some food pantries, we’re the only source of fresh produce. These programs don’t just feed people — they connect people. Governor Shapiro’s support means everything."

Harrisburg, PA – On June 04, 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully terminating Pennsylvania’s Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement — a $13 million commitment that directly supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and supplies 14 food banks with fresh, locally grown food.

Despite repeated efforts to appeal the decision through the USDA’s internal process, the USDA ignored Pennsylvania’s requests to reinstate the agreement to support farmers across the Commonwealth – leaving the Shapiro Administration no other choice but to sue.

On Wednesday, Governor Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Russel Redding visited the Share Food Program in Philadelphia to announce the lawsuit and reaffirm his Administration’s commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s farmers and families in need.

Over the past two and a half years, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) has administered more than $28 million in federal LFPA funding to reduce food waste, deliver local produce, and strengthen the state’s food system. The sudden loss of an additional $13 million in expected funding has disrupted food bank operations and created gaps in service.

Read what Pennsylvania farmers and agricultural leaders are saying about Governor Shapiro’s action to support farmers:

Brian Campbell, Owner and Founder of Brian Campbell Farms: “I started providing fresh fruits and vegetables to Pennsylvania food banks several years ago — from Share in Philadelphia to food banks in Pittsburgh, Mercer County, and across Central PA. That work gave me a deep appreciation for what food insecurity really looks like. Whether someone is going through a tough time or has long struggled to make ends meet, the need is real — and the people who dedicate their time to helping others are truly inspiring. It’s not just about putting food on the table — it’s about providing healthy, nutritious options that can change lives. Programs like LFPA made it possible for farmers to cover the basic costs of harvesting, packaging, and delivering fresh produce to food banks. 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: “Thanks to LFPA, we’ve grown our giving program from 8,000 pounds in 2017 to over 26,000 pounds in 2024. In some food pantries, we’re the only source of fresh produce. These programs don’t just feed people — they connect people. Governor Shapiro’s support means everything.”

George Matysik, Executive Director of the Share Food Program: “Since 1986, our mission has been to feed the region’s most vulnerable families — and today, we’re serving nearly one million people each month, with more than half of them children. At Share, we believe food is a human right and hunger is a solvable problem — principles we live by every day. 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. At a time when demand at our food bank has risen 120 percent in just three years, losing LFPA hurts real people — and breaks a promise that should have been kept.”

Secretary Redding, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: “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. 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.”

See what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching regarding Governor Shapiro’s action to protect our agricultural economy:

AP News: Pennsylvania is suing the USDA over cutting funding to a $1 billion food aid program for states

The Philadelphia Inquirer: Shapiro is suing the federal government over $13 million in cuts to Pa. food banks, farmers

Pittsburgh-Post Gazette: Shapiro sues Trump administration in dispute over money for farm and food bank program

Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Shapiro sues Trump administration over canceled farm and food bank funds

LNP: Gov. Shapiro sues USDA over canceled $13M food purchasing program

Lancaster Farming: Shapiro Sues USDA Over Canceled Food Purchase Funding

Politics PA: Shapiro Administration Files Lawsuit Against U.S. Department of Agriculture

WFMJ: Shapiro sues USDA in response to termination of Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program

Billy Penn: Gov. Shapiro visits North Philly, sues Trump over food bank cuts

Farm and Dairy: Pa. Gov. Shapiro sues USDA over end to local food program

WVIA: Shapiro sues USDA over food assistance cuts, Pennsylvania food system in crisis

KYW Newsradio: ‘They broke the deal’: Shapiro takes USDA to court over canceled $13M contract

6abc: Gov. Shapiro sues USDA over canceled program benefitting farmers, food banks

CBS3: Gov. Josh Shapiro sues USDA over cutting funding to food aid program for states

WFMZ: Pennsylvania sues USDA over canceled food assistance agreement

WITF: Gov. Shapiro sues USDA over canceled $13M food purchasing program