Pennsylvania emphasizes urban agriculture and grant programs to improve access to fresh produce and combat food deserts.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding commemorated the state's sixth annual "Urban Ag Week" during a visit to York Fresh Food Farms in York County.
The event aimed to bridge racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic gaps while inspiring careers in the agricultural sector.
The occasion shed light on company partnerships and state grants, including the Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program.
This program, funded by the PA Farm Bill, offers reimbursement grants to eligible applicants seeking to enhance urban agriculture infrastructure in Pennsylvania.
With an allocated budget of $500,000, the Urban Ag Grant Program focuses on investing in the system, fostering collaboration, scaling operations, and combating food deserts.
Governor Shapiro applauded the success of the program and highlighted the participation of private companies, such as the GIANT Company, who are eager to invest in government initiatives.
Secretary Redding expressed the importance of tearing down barriers and reversing the long-standing issue of poor nutrition that affects many Pennsylvanian communities.
Pennsylvania has already invested over $2 million in urban agriculture through the program since 2019, attracting an additional $2 million in local matching funds.
Across 19 counties, 113 projects are underway to expand fresh food access in areas that are often limited to a single convenience store. These efforts aim to address the struggles faced by 1.2 million Pennsylvanians who lack sufficient access to nutritious food.
Governor Shapiro envisions urban agriculture as the next generation of agricultural innovation, emphasizing its potential to alleviate hunger in both urban and rural communities.
By connecting the state's $132 billion agriculture sector with the issue of food insecurity, Pennsylvania aims to become a leader in fostering positive change for generations to come.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-joshua-resnick
Categories: Pennsylvania, General