Pennsylvania is in the midst of a worsening hunger crisis. According to Feeding America, one in 8 people and one in 6 children experience food insecurity across the Commonwealth. In Adams County alone, approximately 11,000 neighbors are currently food insecure, meaning that members of our community are sacrificing food quality, variety, and in more severe cases, amount, in order to purchase life-saving medicines or avoid eviction.
Despite the existence of nutritional support programs and the continued work of the charitable food network, rates of food insecurity continue to rise year over year. Across Adams County, charitable food pantries are seeing record-high demand that strains their capacities to adequately serve those seeking assistance.
So what can be done to address this growing and critical need? The answer to this question is complex- the first place to start is for our government to support strong anti-poverty policies and further invest in state programs that address food insecurity.
In particular, two proposed funding expansions and two upcoming food justice-related bills in Pennsylvania offer a step in the right direction that not only support our neighbors experiencing food insecurity but also bolster our local agricultural economy and invest in the long-term health of our communities.
The Adams County Food Policy Council (ACFPC) is urging local residents and our elected leaders to support these four key legislative initiatives that efficiently address food insecurity.
State Food Purchase Program (SFPP):
This long-standing state-funded program helps keep food pantry shelves stocked with staples that match local needs. Funds are distributed to county agencies and used by food pantries to purchase nutritious food for their communities. Governor Shapiro’s proposed $4 million increase to SFPP would help meet surging demand and ensure families don’t go hungry simply because shelves run empty.
Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS):
PASS is a perfect example of connecting our neighbors, farmers, and food pantries for a win-win-win scenario. PASS directly supports Pennsylvania farmers as food banks purchase surplus farm goods and redistribute them to neighbors in need. With 13 regional distributors – including the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank – PASS gets fresh, local food into every county while creating new markets for growers. Governor Shapiro’s $4 million funding increase would expand this impactful program.
Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program:
Run by The Food Trust, PA Food Bucks is one of the largest nutrition incentive programs in the state. It incentivises SNAP recipients to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables by matching purchases at grocery stores and farmers markets. This program makes local produce more affordable and accessible while also increasing revenue for local farmers. With a $2 million appropriation, there is an opportunity to expand the PA Food Bucks program and benefit additional shoppers here in Adams County.
Keystone Fresh Act / Local Food Purchasing Incentive:
This new proposal would open up the Commonwealth’s K-12 school system as a customer for local farmers, increasing the amount and variety of Pennsylvania-grown food in school meals. This is an investment in farm economies and healthier kids – a common-sense program that we urge the General Assembly to support.
By tackling hunger, supporting local farmers, preserving farmland, strengthening public health, and boosting our economy, these proposals support multiple communities and initiatives at once. Each of these programs addresses a real need. They’re practical, proven, and rooted in values that span the political spectrum: healthier food choices for consumers, more support for regional farmers, stronger local food systems, and more productive citizens who don’t have to contend with the challenges of food insecurity. Together, we can tackle food insecurity in our community effectively – and efficiently.
Here’s where your support comes in. Call or email our state representatives and senators to ask them to support these programs– whether it’s by signing on as co-sponsors or voting yes when they come to the floor. It takes just a minute, and it makes a real difference. Mention these initiatives by name and urge our elected leaders to support these priorities of the Adams County Food Policy Council. If you live in Adams County, the contact information for our elected representatives is below.
Rep. Torren Ecker
(Previously voted to pass the PA Food Bucks bill in 2024!)
Harrisburg Office:(717) 783-8875
Local Office: (717) 259-7805 Email: tecker@pahousegop.com
Rep. Dan Moul
(Previously voted to pass the PA Food Bucks bill in 2024!)
Harrisburg Office: (717) 783-5217
Local Office: (717) 334-3010 dmoul@pahousegop.com
Sen. Doug Mastriano
Harrisburg Office: (717) 787-4651
Local Office: (717) 432-0792 Email: dmastriano@pasen.gov