Government Food Programs

Food and Fund Drives

There are a variety of government food assistance programs that provide food to people facing hunger in the United States. Our Government Affairs team works to educate legislators on the need to protect and expand these vital programs to ensure that no one in our community and beyond goes to bed without knowing how they will get their next meal. Use the links below to learn more about each program, including eligibility and how to apply if applicable.

Federal Food Assistance Programs

Pennsylvania State Food Assistance Programs

PASS

Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System

PASS

Connects local farmers and food producers to the charitable food system. Reimburses farmers for the costs of harvesting, processing, packaging and transporting surplus products to food banks.

SFPP

State Food Purchase Program

SFPP

Provides grants to counties for the purchase and distribution of nutritious food to low-income individuals.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

For all other FNS nutrition assistance programs, state or local agencies, and their subrecipients, must post the following Nondiscrimination Statement:

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

  1. mail:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
  2. fax:
    (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email:
    Program.Intake@usda.gov

Find Food Now

We partner with WhyHunger to ensure those facing food insecurity have access to food when they need it. If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, please call the WhyHunger Hotline or text with your zip code to 1-800-5-HUNGRY (1-800-548-6479) or visit our Find Food page.

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