PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania is suing Donald Trump’s Department of Agriculture for breaking a $13 million contract that provides funds to Pennsylvania’s farmers who supply local food banks with fresh produce.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the federal lawsuit Wednesday at the Share Food Program warehouse in North Philadelphia, surrounded by farmers and food bank leaders.
“In December, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture signed a three-year contract with the USDA,” said Shapiro. “That contract stated that the federal government would pay Pennsylvania farmers $13 million over those three years, so they could continue to supply our food banks in Pennsylvania.”
The now-defunct Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program helped provide 4.4 million meals yearly in the greater Philadelphia area and funds 10-15% of the budget for 189 farms statewide.
But Trump’s USDA announced on March 7 that funding for the program was being cut because it doesn’t align with agency priorities.
“They made a deal with our farmers, they made a deal with places like Share, they made a deal with Pennsylvania, and they illegally broke it,” said Shapiro. “I don’t get what the hell their priorities are if not feeding people and taking care of our farmers.”
Julie McCabe, executive director of Pennypack Farm in Horsham, praised the program for reducing food waste and improving food access.
“It supports farms, reduces food waste, and makes sure that everyone, no matter their income, has access to healthy, fresh, grown food right here in Pennsylvania,” she said.
Brian Campbell, a farmer in Columbia County, said the initiative made a real difference for both farmers and families.
“There's a lot of people out there that need the help, and the farmers in Pennsylvania have a lot to offer. A little bit of help from the financial end allows that to happen,” he said.
“I've gained a deep appreciation for what food insecurity truly means, whether someone is falling on hard times or simply less fortunate than others.”