By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania is investing $3.375 million through the 2025 Fresh Food Financing Initiative to improve access to healthy food and support local farms.
The grants will assist food businesses in 24 counties, helping them deliver fresh, affordable food to underserved communities.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding made the announcement at Weaver’s Way Food Co-op in Philadelphia. The co-op, which serves over 14,000 households, was awarded a $452,372 grant to expand cold storage and buy a mobile market to reach more customers.
The roundtable discussion highlighted common obstacles food producers face, such as transportation, storage, and retail access.
Redding noted the importance of connecting farmers with consumers during a time when federal funding uncertainty continues to affect food programs.
“Pennsylvania farmers do the noble work of producing fresh, healthy food every day,” Secretary Redding said. “But too many families struggle to find affordable, fresh food close to home, and their health suffers, sometimes for generations.”
The Fresh Food Financing Initiative gives priority to food businesses located in USDA-defined food deserts and to those owned by veterans, women, and minorities. Eligible recipients include co-ops, grocery stores, farm markets, and mobile vendors.
Feeding America’s 2022 “Map the Meal Gap” report revealed that over 436,000 children in Pennsylvania experienced hunger. The report emphasizes that hunger is often tied to the lack of nearby healthy food rather than total food shortage.
Weaver’s Way operates four neighbourhood markets and a farm market at a local high school, showing how community-based businesses can bridge the gap between farms and families.
This funding supports a sustainable food network that benefits everyone—from local growers to the families who rely on them. The initiative marks a significant step in building healthier communities across Pennsylvania.
Photo Credit: gettyimage-jamesbrey
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business