Pennsylvania’s Most Vulnerable Rely on Anti-Hunger Programs to Make Ends Meet
Lemoyne, PA (Feb. 5, 2025) – Feeding Pennsylvania applauds Governor Shapiro’s investment in Pennsylvania’s anti-hunger programs. At a time when hunger is rising—up twenty-five percent in Pennsylvania1— these investments signal a commitment to the more than one and a half million Pennsylvanians facing food insecurity. Higher costs of necessities like food, energy, and housing, supply chain disruptions, and an uncertain future of federal nutrition programs all contribute to increased demand at our food banks.
The four million-dollar increase to the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus Program (PASS) reflects the Governor’s commitment to agriculture, one of the five pillars of his Economic Development Strategy. PASS is an agriculture-first program that creates markets for surplus agricultural products to be sold to the charitable food network. These wholesome local foods are diverted from wasting in the field to food-insecure Pennsylvanians, giving them access to fresh fruits and vegetables and nutrient-rich proteins. PASS is a win-win that fuels Pennsylvania.
PASS supplements the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP), a core anti-hunger program that keeps food pantry shelves stocked across the Commonwealth. SFPP is a lifeline for small community organizations in every county. It provides a critical source of food and funds that allow food pantries to operate safely, effectively, and efficiently while helping their neighbors get back on their feet.
Governor Shapiro’s proposal is a laudable start to address the staggering increase in food insecurity in our Commonwealth. At a time when resources are particularly strained, we appreciate the Governor’s acknowledgment of these realities by investing in these critical programs. We look forward to working with the General Assembly to ensure investments in Pennsylvania’s anti-hunger programs remain a priority.
1 Feeding America Map the Meal Gap https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2022/overall/pennsylvania
About Feeding Pennsylvania
Feeding Pennsylvania is the state association of Pennsylvania’s nine Feeding America partner food banks. Collective efforts aid member food banks in securing food and other resources to reduce hunger and food insecurity for communities across Pennsylvania and provide a shared voice on hunger issues. Feeding Pennsylvania member food banks serve 1.5 million people annually by distributing more than 237 million pounds of food through a network of more than 2,700 agencies. FeedingPA.org
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