The Shapiro Administration has expressed concerns over the potential impacts of proposed federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector and families. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding highlighted the importance of SNAP benefits at an event held at People’s Provisions, a Perry County grocer that relies on local farms and accepts SNAP benefits.
“Radical reductions in SNAP would hurt not only the two million people who receive benefits and may be temporarily struggling, but the Pennsylvania farm families, and families of those in 12,000 grocery industry jobs across the state supported by SNAP spending,” said Redding. He emphasized that the administration is committed to ensuring no family goes hungry in Pennsylvania and urged Congress to uphold its commitments to farmers, families, and businesses.
SNAP provides food assistance to nearly two million Pennsylvanians, including families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. In December 2024 alone, it provided $366,850,460 in federally funded food assistance benefits. People’s Provisions serves as an example of how local grocers benefit from SNAP by sourcing products from local farmers.
Lindsay Hutchinson, owner of People’s Provisions, said: “SNAP benefits kept that margin possible for us, so we did not have to make the choice between paying hard-working farmers and supporting our customers.” She added that federal funding cuts would directly impact their business and the 75 local farmers they support.
Governor Josh Shapiro has taken steps to address food insecurity in Pennsylvania. Recently, he filed a lawsuit against the federal government for terminating $13 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance 2025 Cooperative Agreement. In his 2025-26 budget proposal, Shapiro suggests investments aimed at supporting low-income families and farmers while stimulating business growth.
These proposals include increasing funds for programs like the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System and the State Food Purchase Program. Additionally, Shapiro advocates for initiatives addressing root causes of food insecurity such as raising minimum wage and reducing costs for residents.
For more information on Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal focused on agriculture competitiveness and community support, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.
Information from this article can be found here.
