Shapiro files lawsuit against USDA over termination of food assistance program

Governor Josh Shapiro has announced that his administration is taking legal action against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The lawsuit addresses the USDA's termination of Pennsylvania's Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program agreement, a $13 million initiative supporting 189 local farms and supplying fresh food to 14 food banks.

The announcement was made at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, where Governor Shapiro was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and local farmers. The Governor emphasized his administration's dedication to protecting Pennsylvania's agricultural sector and maintaining access to healthy food for families in need.

Efforts by the Shapiro Administration to appeal the USDA's decision included filing an administrative appeal, contacting USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and traveling to Washington, D.C., to meet with USDA leadership. These attempts were unsuccessful, leading to the decision to file a lawsuit.

"Pennsylvania farmers do the noble work of putting food on our tables - 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," said Governor Shapiro. "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."

Speakers at the event included George Matysik from Share Food Program, Brian Campbell from Brian Campbell Farms, Secretary Russell Redding from PA Department of Agriculture, and Julie McCabe from Pennypack Farm & Education Center.