The Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania State Grange have expressed concerns over potential federal funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), emphasizing the negative impact on Pennsylvania’s farms, food businesses, and families. SNAP provides over $365 million monthly in benefits used exclusively for food, supporting a wide network of grocers and nearly 50,000 farm families across the state.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, alongside Pennsylvania State Grange President Matt Espenshade and Candy Wasson of Wasson’s Farm and Market, highlighted SNAP’s importance in rural areas. Governor Josh Shapiro has said that Pennsylvania cannot compensate for the loss if Congress eliminates these funds. “Radical SNAP reductions would hurt two million Pennsylvanians struggling to put healthy food on their tables,” Redding noted.
SNAP aids nearly two million residents, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. In December 2024 alone, it provided $366.8 million in federally funded benefits supporting grocers and the agricultural sector. Andrew Barnes from the Department of Human Services warned that proposed changes could destabilize communities and disrupt the economy.
In May 2025, almost two million Pennsylvanians received SNAP benefits. The program facilitated approximately $1.8 million in purchases at farmers markets within a year. The Pennsylvania State Grange opposes cuts to SNAP due to its critical role in agriculture. “The proposed funding cuts to SNAP will not just impact our friends and neighbors… but the impact to Pennsylvania agriculture is equally concerning,” Espenshade said.
Governor Shapiro remains committed to addressing food insecurity while supporting farmers affected by federal cuts. He filed a lawsuit against the federal government for terminating $13 million allocated for local food purchases through LFPA25. His budget proposal includes investments aimed at low-income families and farmers, proposing increases for programs like the Agricultural Surplus System and State Food Purchase Program.
Shapiro also advocates for initiatives addressing root causes of food insecurity such as raising minimum wage and reducing costs for residents.
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