Pennsylvania Passes State Budget: Programs Addressing Food Insecurity Resume

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is grateful that the General Assembly has passed and Governor Shapiro has signed the 2026 state budget into law. With renewed funding, both the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) will once again provide vital support to Pennsylvanians facing food insecurity while strengthening local farm communities.

As part of the budget, we extend our sincere appreciation to the General Assembly and the Governor for the continued investment in Pennsylvania’s anti-hunger programs. This commitment to supporting our neighbors and the charitable food network is more critical than ever, especially in the wake of the challenges posed by the recent federal shutdown and state budget impasse.

Food insecurity has been on the rise now for years – with an increase of 44% in just the past two years alone, making additional investments in the charitable food system even more critical. With one in eight Central Pennsylvanians, including one in six children, facing food insecurity, sustained and reliable funding is essential to meet the growing needs of our communities. With rising food prices and diminished federal support, we anticipate the need will continue to grow.

The State Food Purchase Program, which received a $3 million increase, is a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s anti-hunger efforts. SFPP keeps food pantry shelves stocked across the Commonwealth, providing essential resources that enable small community organizations to operate safely, efficiently, and effectively while serving their neighbors in need.

Similarly, the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, which received a $1 million increase, strengthens the connection between agriculture and hunger relief. PASS creates markets for farmers to sell surplus products to the charitable food network, turning wholesome, locally grown foods into meals for food-insecure Pennsylvanians. This program helps deliver fresh fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich proteins to families across the state.

At a time when resources are stretched thin, we are deeply appreciative of the General Assembly and the Governor for recognizing these realities and prioritizing investment in these essential programs. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank looks forward to continuing our collaboration with state leaders to ensure that anti-hunger initiatives remain a strong and enduring priority in the Commonwealth, particularly as food prices and demand for support from the charitable food network continue to rise.

About the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank:

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (CPFB) is a nonprofit organization with a mission of fighting hunger, improving lives, and strengthening communities. It provides meals for nearly 268,000 neighbors each month, by working with nearly 1,000 partner agencies and with the critical help of volunteers who contribute over 73,000 hours annually. CPFB’s bold goal is to provide access to enough nutritious food for everyone struggling with hunger in each of the 27 central Pennsylvania counties it serves by collaborating with its network and convening and nurturing partnerships to make progress toward ending hunger.