Chester County Food Bank Board of Directors Expresses Support for Increased Funding in Proposed Budget
In his 2025-26 Budget Address to the General Assembly earlier this month, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro laid out his plans for an expanded budget to support the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS).
Hunger in Pennsylvania
Food insecurity continues to rise in Chester County and across Pennsylvania. It can impact anyone, especially our most vulnerable citizens like seniors on a fixed income, veterans, and children. Hunger impacts every community, urban and rural. In fact, rural communities, like Chester County, often experience unique factors like lack of transportation, lack of affordable housing, and fewer job opportunities that contribute to food insecurity.
In 2024, the Chester County Food Bank (CCFB) distributed over 4.6 million pounds of food, which is an increase of more than 1 million pounds from the prior year. Already in 2025, demand is 25% higher than in 2024.
Root Causes of Food Insecurity
Many families and seniors are having difficulty keeping up with the higher prices of everything from food to energy to rent. MIT’s Living Wage calculator currently estimates that a family of four with two working adults needs an annual income of $139,907 to pay for the basic living costs in Chester County which includes expenses such as rent, medical, and childcare. In contrast, the eligibility threshold for SNAP for a family of four is just $62,400, leaving many households with incomes that fall below the living wage but above the threshold for assistance.
Lack of access to food, whether because of lack of transportation or living in a food desert, is also a contributing factor to food insecurity. The CCFB tries to bridge this gap by providing mobile distributions, partnering with senior centers, schools, and housing complexes, along with over 80 food pantries and cupboards.
The Budget: Investing in Food and Nutrition Programs
We all want Pennsylvania to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Access to food is foundational to achieving this vision. State-funded food and nutrition programs not only alleviate hunger but also fuel Pennsylvania’s economy by reducing health care costs, supporting local agriculture, and connecting people with resources to regain stability.
The Chester County Food Bank strongly supports Governor Shapiro’s proposed funding increases for the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS). These programs are vital to ensuring that food banks can continue to provide fresh, nutritious food to those in need. PASS, in particular, has a powerful economic impact—generating $2 of economic activity for every $1 invested, according to a Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences study.
Increased funding for SFPP and PASS would allow the Chester County Food Bank and other organizations to expand their efforts, distribute more fresh food, and further combat food insecurity. We urge state leaders to prioritize these essential programs in the budget to build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Pennsylvania.