‘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.
