LANCASTER, Pa. — Feeding Pennsylvania, a statewide network of food banks, will soon launch new opportunities for interested Pennsylvania producers and processors to sell to Pennsylvania’s food bank system. Like Pennsylvania’s established Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) program, the new initiative will reimburse growers and food processors for production and other costs.
During the Local Food Purchasing Program with Feeding Pennsylvania: Producer Information Session webinar, hosted by Penn State Extension’s Food Systems & Local Foods team, representatives from Feeding Pennsylvania and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank will describe participation logistics, compensation, and how the program can support the food waste reduction and wholesale marketing efforts of Pennsylvania growers and food processors. Small, medium, and large-scale fruit and vegetable growers from urban and rural settings, livestock and dairy farmers, and licensed food-processing businesses are encouraged to attend.
Register for the April 13 webinar at extension.psu.edu/local-food-purchasing-program-with-feeding-pennsylvania-producer-information-session or by calling Registration Services at 877-345-0691. This event is being offered at no charge to participants. For more information, contact Becky Clawson at bclawson@psu.edu or 717-283-2598.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service established the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program as part of the “Build Back Better” initiative, authorized by the American Rescue Plan. The project is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania.
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–Penn State Extension