Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sues Trump administration in dispute over money for farm and food bank program

Ford Turner, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Jun 4, 2025

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HARRISBURG, Pa. — Gov. Josh Shapiro on Wednesday said he filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration in an attempt to get money he said Pennsylvania is owed for a federally funded program that buys food from local farmers to distribute to food banks.

Shapiro said state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has tried for months to get the federal government to honor a contract worth $13 million over three years. The contract between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Agriculture, Shapiro said, was signed in December and essentially uses federal money to pay Pennsylvania farmers to produce food for hungry people.

“This lawsuit calls on the USDA to simply honor its commitment to our farmers,” Shapiro said. Referring to the contract, he said, “They illegally broke it.”

He announced the lawsuit during an appearance in Philadelphia, with Redding.

Pittsburgh City Council gave preliminary approval Wednesday morning. Currently, the law reads that employers with more than 15 employees have to award one hour of sick time for every 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year, unless the employer permits more.

Shapiro said he has a successful track record in filing lawsuits against the administration when it makes unjustified cuts to funding for Pennsylvania.

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