(The Center Square) – A $13 million federal cut means farmers in Pennsylvania may no longer be able supply food banks across the state.
And Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday he will have none of it.
“Pennsylvania farmers and food banks are owed $13 million and I won’t stand by and let our farmers get screwed in the process,” he said during remarks after a roundtable at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “And if the USDA does not rescind this termination, hear me on this, we are prepared to take further legal action to protect our farmers and ensure those who are hungry get fed.”
Earlier this month, the USDA sent a letter to the state Department of Agriculture that revoked the funding approved late last year by the former Biden administration. The notice indicated that the program, which Pennsylvania uses the money to support 14 food banks across the state, “no longer effectuates agency priorities.”
At the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank alone, losing the grant means 500,000 fewer meals will be provided every month.
