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In a heated exchange, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro are at odds over federal funding cuts affecting food banks. Governor Shapiro has threatened legal action if the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not honor a $13 million contract for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, which allows food banks to buy fresh produce from local farms. Rollins, speaking at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, accused Shapiro of "playing games" and claimed that the state already has "tens of millions of dollars" from the USDA to support food banks.
Governor Shapiro, however, argues that the funding cuts will significantly impact Pennsylvania's farmers and food banks. According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the USDA's decision to cancel the agreement could result in a loss of $2.5 million for food banks in the Pittsburgh region alone. This would mean nearly 2.5 million fewer meals for those in need. The state is one of the few that uses the program to support in-state farmers exclusively, ensuring that federal dollars stay within Pennsylvania.
The Shapiro Administration is appealing the USDA's decision, and Governor Shapiro has directed Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding to challenge the contract's termination. Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of protecting Pennsylvania's agricultural economy and food systems, stating that the state is prepared to pursue further legal action if necessary.
The funding cuts have sparked concern among food assistance organizations, which are already grappling with increased demand. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank faces a potential loss of 6.3 million pounds of food annually due to the cuts. Governor Shapiro has proposed a $4 million increase in state funding to help offset the losses, but advocates warn that it may not be enough to fully address the shortfall.