Blog Governor Shapiro’s Budget Proposal Preserves Funding to Address Food Insecurity February 4, 2026 Anti-Hunger Programs Remain Critical as Demand Continues to Rise Across Pennsylvania Lemoyne, PA (Feb. 4, 2026) – Governor Shapiro’s FY 26-27 budget proposal preserves the $4 million funding increase for anti-hunger programs that was secured in the FY 25-26 budget. This increase provided an additional $1 million for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus Program (PASS) and $3 million for the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP). While maintaining this funding provides important stability, demand across the charitable food network continues to grow. Food insecurity in Pennsylvania increased by 44 percent over two years, with more than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians facing hunger.[1] Ongoing affordability challenges, including high food, housing, healthcare, and energy costs, along with changes to SNAP and Medicaid, are driving steady increases in need across every region of the Commonwealth. PASS plays a critical role in strengthening Pennsylvania’s interconnected food system, from farmers to food banks to families. PASS is an agriculture-first program that creates reliable markets for surplus agricultural products, allowing food banks to purchase fresh, nutritious produce, dairy, and protein from Pennsylvania farmers. These investments support local agriculture and economies while ensuring families facing hunger have access to high-quality, nourishing food. PASS works alongside core SFPP funding, which helps keep food pantry shelves stocked in every county and provides dependable resources for small, community-based organizations. Together, these programs are essential tools for helping food banks respond to rising demand while supporting farmers and strengthening local food systems. As need continues to rise, Feeding Pennsylvania and our network of food banks and pantries will keep showing up for our community. But meeting this challenge requires all of us. Now more than ever, we need to stand united—lawmakers, agriculture, businesses, faith communities, and individuals—to ensure that no one in Pennsylvania goes without the fresh, nutritious food they need to thrive. We look forward to working with the General Assembly to ensure investments in Pennsylvania’s anti-hunger programs remain a priority. [1] Feeding America Map the Meal Gap: https://map.feedingamerica.org/ Post navigation Previous: Fill a Glass with Hope® Charitable Milk Program Celebrates Historic 2026 Program Year and Record-Breaking Donations at PA Farm Show