Governor Sues USDA Over Cancellation of $13M Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program

(LibertySociety.com) – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has filed a lawsuit against the USDA after the federal agency abruptly terminated a $13 million food assistance program that supported hundreds of local farms and food banks across the state.

At a Glance

• Governor Shapiro filed suit against the USDA on May 4 over the termination of the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program
• The $13 million program supported 189 Pennsylvania farms and provided fresh food to 14 food banks
• The program was expected to continue through 2027 before being unexpectedly canceled
• Shapiro announced the lawsuit at Philadelphia’s Share Food Program, one of the beneficiaries
• The governor argues the USDA’s action breaks commitments made to Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector

Shapiro Takes Legal Action Against Federal Agency

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has taken the Biden administration to court over what he describes as an unlawful termination of critical funding for the state’s agriculture sector. The lawsuit, filed on May 4, challenges the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to cancel the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program that was providing $13 million to support Pennsylvania’s farm-to-food-bank pipeline. The program had been serving as a lifeline for both local farmers and food-insecure residents across the commonwealth.

The governor made the announcement at Philadelphia’s Share Food Program facility, one of 14 food banks across Pennsylvania that benefited from the initiative. The canceled program had been supporting 189 farms throughout the state and was designed to provide stability for these agricultural operations through 2027. Its unexpected termination has created uncertainty for both food producers and distributors who had made plans based on the promised federal support.

Impact on Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Community

The Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program represented a significant investment in Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy. By connecting local farms directly with food banks, the program created a sustainable market for farmers while ensuring fresh, nutritious food reached communities in need. The 189 farms that participated in the program had developed business models around this reliable source of income, making the sudden cancellation particularly disruptive to their operations and financial planning.

For the 14 food banks that relied on the program, the termination means potentially reduced access to fresh, locally-grown produce, dairy, and meat products. These organizations now face the challenge of finding alternative sources or reducing the quantity and quality of food they can provide to Pennsylvania families experiencing food insecurity. The Share Food Program in Philadelphia, where Shapiro announced the lawsuit, is one of the largest food bank networks in the region and serves thousands of residents.

Legal Arguments and Potential Outcomes

The lawsuit filed by Governor Shapiro contends that the USDA acted unlawfully in terminating a program that had been committed through 2027. The legal challenge argues that Pennsylvania entered into an agreement with the federal government that created binding obligations that cannot be unilaterally broken. State officials maintain that federal agencies must honor their commitments, especially when state programs and businesses have been developed in reliance on those promises.

If successful, the lawsuit could force the USDA to reinstate the $13 million program or provide alternative funding to fulfill the original commitment. The case highlights growing tensions between state and federal authorities over funding priorities and program management. For Pennsylvania’s agricultural community, the outcome of this legal battle will determine whether a significant support system remains in place during economically challenging times for many small and mid-sized farms.

Broader Implications for Federal Food Programs

The dispute between Pennsylvania and the USDA raises questions about the reliability of federal agricultural support programs nationwide. Similar Local Food Purchasing Assistance initiatives exist in other states, potentially putting those programs at risk as well. The lawsuit may establish important precedent regarding the federal government’s ability to terminate funding for programs that states have incorporated into their economic and social service infrastructure.

Agricultural experts note that farm-to-food-bank programs serve multiple policy goals, including supporting local agriculture, reducing food insecurity, promoting healthier diets, and strengthening regional food systems. The abrupt cancellation of such programs can undermine these objectives and damage trust between federal agencies and state governments. As this legal challenge proceeds, both farmers and food banks across Pennsylvania will continue facing uncertainty about the future of this important funding source.

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