ERIE, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has announced the relaunch of the Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI), an ambitious program designed to enhance access to fresh food across the state. With a $4 million investment, the initiative aims to support businesses dedicated to providing healthy and affordable food options in underserved areas.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, during a visit Wednesday to the Erie Food Co-op, highlighted the significant upgrades funded by a previous FFFI grant. These improvements, initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, have bolstered the Co-op’s ability to offer local communities fresh, accessible food. This investment aligns with Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to allocate $2 million annually in his initial state budgets, revitalizing the initiative after its previous federal funding through the CARES Act ended.
Secretary Redding emphasized the initiative’s critical role in addressing food accessibility challenges. “Pennsylvania farmers are at the top of their game at producing fresh, healthy food,” Redding remarked. “However, many families struggle to find or afford fresh food in their communities, impacting their health. Fresh Food Financing grants empower grocery stores and markets to expand and meet these needs, illustrating the Shapiro Administration’s dedication to supporting Pennsylvania’s farms, businesses, and families.”
The initiative is a response to the concerning statistics revealed by Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap report, which found that over one in nine Pennsylvanians faced food insecurity in 2022, including 436,000 children. Many affected individuals reside in areas known as food deserts, where fresh and affordable food options are scarce.
Erie Food Co-op CEO LeAnna Nieratko expressed gratitude for the FFFI funding, which enabled essential technological upgrades. “These advancements help us compete with larger chains and maintain affordability, ensuring we remain a vital source of fresh food for our community,” Nieratko stated.
The FFFI will open applications on November 2, with submissions accepted until January 18. Eligible entities include grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and other businesses directly serving consumers with fresh food. Priority will be given to those in food deserts and businesses owned by women, minorities, and veterans.
This initiative complements other Shapiro Administration efforts to improve food access, such as a $46.5 million investment to provide universal free breakfasts to all public school students and an increase in state funding for emergency food assistance programs.
The relaunch of the Fresh Food Financing Initiative marks a significant step in addressing food insecurity and supporting the economic development of local communities in Pennsylvania. Through strategic investments and policy initiatives, the state seeks to ensure that all residents have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
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