PA Agriculture Gets a $700,000 Boost

Gov. Josh Shapiro, alongside Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and The GIANT Company Vice President Dave Lessard, visited York Fresh Food Farms to unveil a $200,000 donation from GIANT to support the 2023-24 PA Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants. This contribution increases the total funding for the program to $700,000 and aims to enhance fresh food access in urban food deserts while addressing inequities.

Highlighting Pennsylvania's rich agricultural heritage, Governor Shapiro emphasized the industry's vital role in the state's economy, contributing a staggering $132 billion. He acknowledged the need to bridge the gap between the agriculture sector and the households that require affordable, nutritious food, affirming his administration's commitment to supporting Pennsylvania agriculture and the PA Farm Bill.

Secretary Redding commended GIANT for its long-standing partnership with the Department of Agriculture, emphasizing the significance of grants in empowering communities with limited access to fresh produce, reversing poor nutrition, and fostering new opportunities for growth.

Pennsylvania has already invested over $2 million in urban agriculture since 2019, leveraging an additional $2 million to support 113 projects in 19 counties. Many of these locations rely on a single convenience store for fresh food, making the grants instrumental in expanding access.

As part of its 100th-anniversary celebration, The GIANT Company's support for the Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program aligns with its commitment to strengthen the food system and create resilient, food-secure communities for future generations.

York Fresh Food Farms, a recipient of previous grants, has utilized funding to enhance production capacity, acquire equipment and cold storage, and establish the Mobile Produce Market. Through partnerships with the local housing authority and the utilization of federal CARES Act funds, the farm supplies over 200 shares of fresh produce annually to low-income families in York.

The collaboration between the state, GIANT, and local partners exemplifies a collective effort to build healthier communities, address food system inequities, and foster connections around the dinner table.

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