Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture rolled out a new program aimed at putting healthy and fresh food grown or raised by Pennsylvania farmers and producers on the plates of those who typically can’t afford it. The inaugural year of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) was a success for all partners involved, from our local family farmers to the families we serve who are struggling to make ends meet.
Through PASS, the PA Department of Agriculture provides the funds to cover the costs associated with harvesting, processing, packaging, and transporting surplus products including fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy, poultry, pork, beef, and grains in an effort to ensure these items end up on the shelves of food banks instead of in landfills or left unharvested in the fields.
Last year we were able to provide our member agencies with apples, peaches, pears, melons, corn, onions, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, eggs, milk, applesauce, tomato sauce, ground chicken and beef, and more. We look forward to providing an even greater variety of products this year!
If you are a local farmer or producer, or know someone who is, contact Briana McGonagle at (484) 287-4015 to learn more about getting involved with the PASS program.