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In a dramatic legal move with far-reaching implications for food access and agriculture, Pennsylvania has filed suit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, accusing the federal agency of unlawfully slashing $13 million in food aid intended for local farmers and food-insecure communities.

The Wednesday complaint, filed in federal court, claims that the USDA's abrupt termination of a Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) 2025 Cooperative Agreement with the state will have a “devastating effect” — not only gutting income for nearly 200 small farms, but also disrupting access to more than 4.4 million meals for hungry families.

Governor Josh Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding are leading the charge, asserting that the USDA’s decision not only violated its mission but also flouted legal procedure.

“A deal is a deal,” Shapiro said at a press conference. “When USDA pulled out without cause, they didn’t just break a promise — they pulled the rug out from under 189 farms and millions of struggling Pennsylvanians.”

'Unexplained and Unjustified': State Alleges Violation of Federal Law

The suit alleges that the USDA failed to provide a rationale for the funding cut and disregarded its own policies promoting food security and farmer support. According to court filings, the USDA’s communications offered no reasoning, no list of evaluated factors, and no acknowledgment of the widespread impact of its decision — an omission the state argues is a direct violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.

Pennsylvania’s attorneys also claim a violation of the Fifth Amendment, asserting that the state was denied due process and deprived of the opportunity to appeal or renegotiate the termination.

“Not only is the USDA abandoning its stated mission, it’s doing so in a way that’s legally indefensible and morally questionable,” said Jacob Boyer, one of the attorneys representing the state.

Backstory: From Federal Promise to Broken Pact

The LFPA program was born out of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, designed to stimulate local economies and strengthen the food supply chain through cooperative agreements with states. Pennsylvania had earmarked 100% of the $13 million allocation for buying food directly from local farms and delivering it to underserved populations.

But in a sudden reversal, the USDA determined the program no longer aligned with its priorities — without specifying how or why.

“It’s hard to see how feeding hungry people and supporting local farmers doesn’t match USDA’s mission,” said Secretary Redding. “This is not just a funding cut — it’s a complete abdication of responsibility.”

Despite efforts by state officials to initiate dialogue and seek reconsideration, the USDA allegedly made it clear: there would be no appeals, no second chances.

What’s at Stake: Legal, Political, and Human Fallout

The lawsuit asks the court to vacate the USDA’s termination decision and demands the return of the allocated funds. Pennsylvania also seeks reimbursement for legal fees.

Meanwhile, farmers and food banks are left in limbo. The funding was set to support distribution networks critical to vulnerable communities — infrastructure now under threat.

The USDA has not commented on the case as of Thursday.

Legal Representation

Pennsylvania is represented by:

• John H. Howard – PA Department of Agriculture

• Jennifer C. Selber, Michael J. Fischer, Jacob B. Boyer, and Stephen R. Kovatis – Governor’s Office of General Counsel