Angela Fitterer, Executive Deputy Secretary | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the recipients of the 2025 Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI) grants. The initiative represents a $3.4 million investment aimed at supporting businesses across 23 counties in Pennsylvania, connecting low-income communities with fresh and affordable food produced by local farms.
"Pennsylvania farmers do the noble work of producing fresh, healthy food every day," Secretary Redding stated. He emphasized that many families struggle to find affordable fresh food close to home, impacting their health for generations. "The Fresh Food Financing Initiative helps food businesses like Weaver's Way Food Co-op combine the power of small farmers to reach communities where fresh food has been miles away or unavailable completely."
Redding noted that this initiative is part of broader efforts by the Shapiro Administration to provide opportunities for both families in Pennsylvania and local farmers.
The announcement included remarks from Stephanie Shirk, Director of the Agricultural Business Development Center; Alessandro Ascherio, Manager at Weaver's Way Farms; Mark Edwards, President & CEO of The Food Trust; and Eli Moraru, Cofounder & President of The Community Grocer.
Alerts Sign-up