Bi-Partisan Support for State Food Purchase Program

Pennsylvania is fortunate to have one of the strongest and most stable state-funded anti-hunger efforts in the nation. Known as the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and administered by the PA Department of Agriculture (PDA), the Program provides about 25 million pounds of high-nutrition food to food pantries and soup kitchens each year. The SFPP was first funded with $8 million in 1983 during the second Thornburgh Administration. During the two terms of the Casey Administration the appropriation increased from $8 million to $13 million.

Governor Tom Ridge also has demonstrated strong support for the Program. Over his first six budgets the annual appropriation has increased to $16 million. In fiscal year 1998-99, Governor Ridge also provided a one-time, $4 million initiative to upgrade the charitable infrastructure (facilities, transportation, freezers, etc.).

The bi-partisan support has been a source of stability and has enabled the Program to function with high efficiency. The impact in people's lives has been real. According to USDA, Pennsylvania had the fifth lowest incidence of hunger in the nation during 1996-98. The SFPP has been a vital part of achieving that result.

At the September 20th meeting of the PDA's Emergency Food Advisory Committee, the SFPP was on the agenda. What level of funding would be appropriate for 2001-02? Discussion focused on developments at the community level. The rising cost of housing and fuel oil are causing an increase in demand. Other factors expected to affect the need for emergency food distributions are declining Food Stamp Program participation; the decision of the Cancer Society to stop distributing nutrition supplements; and the 60-month cut-off of federal TANF funds. Based on the foregoing, the Committee recommended $17 million for the SFPP in 2001-02.

Sheila Christopher, President of the PA Association of Regional Food Banks (PARF), affirmed Pennsylvania's effective program, "We are grateful to our Governor and General Assembly who continue to work to find new ways to better serve their low-income constituents. PARF is proud to be a part of that team."