Pennsylvania Sues USDA Over Funding Cut for Food Aid
HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced on Wednesday that the state is suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for allegedly illegally terminating funding for a program designed to provide over $1 billion in aid to states for purchasing food from farms for schools, childcare centers, and food banks.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, comes three months after the USDA ended pandemic-era assistance, citing a shift in agency priorities. "I don’t get what the hell their priorities are if not feeding people and taking care of our farmers,” Shapiro remarked during a press conference at a Philadelphia food bank.
The lawsuit seeks to reverse the USDA’s decision, which Shapiro’s administration argues was made without adequate justification. They contend that the agency failed to explain why the program no longer aligned with its priorities and that such a termination is not permitted under the contract terms.
Shapiro expressed confidence in Pennsylvania’s case, emphasizing the importance of accountability: “A deal is a deal. They made a deal with our farmers … they made a deal with Pennsylvania and they illegally broke it.” The funding cut amounts to a significant loss of $13 million, intended for purchasing essential food items such as dairy, meats, fruits, and vegetables to support local food banks and nutrition programs.
This lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions regarding food assistance policies, particularly in the wake of shifting federal priorities. The USDA, now under President Joe Biden, had announced a second round of funding through similar initiatives last year, raising questions about the inconsistency in support for state food programs.
The USDA has not provided further comments regarding the lawsuit.
— Published: June 4, 2025, at 4:05 PM EDT
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