Pennsylvania’s food security programs and dairy industry recently each received $20 million in federal funding through the CARES Act, totaling their federal funding to $40 million.
A total of $5 million was distributed to the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) program, which helps reduce waste from agricultural surplus by donating excess dairy products to the commonwealth’s charitable food system.
A total of $5 million will be given to dairy farmers who participated in PASS, while $15 million will provide dairy farmers with direct relief payments.
Dairy farmers who experienced financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for the Dairy Indemnity Program through Sept. 30. Farmers qualify for a minimum of $1,500 and an additional prorated share of any remaining funds.
The State Food Purchase Program received $15 million to provide grants to counties for the purchase and distribution of food to low-income individuals. The additional $5 million will go to the PASS program to reimburse the agricultural industry for the costs involved in harvesting, processing, packaging, and transporting food that they donate to the charitable food system.
“The pandemic and months of uncertainty have taken a toll on all sectors of our economy, including agriculture and the dairy industry,” state Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester County) said. “These important programs will support our farms and farmers who continue to work hard day in and day out to ensure our residents and families have fresh food.”