Long-anticipated state budget passes, enables Share Food Program critical funding to feed families amid growing hunger crisis

PHILADELPHIA –November 12, 2025 – Moments ago, Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law a roughly $50.1 billion state budget that will allow money to start flowing back into essential social services, enabling Share Food Program to continue feeding hundreds of thousands of people throughout the five-county region.

For Share Food Program, this means the release of approximately $7 million in essential funding from both the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS). The budget includes a statewide $4 million increase to the SFPP and PASS combined line item. 

“We applaud both Governor Shapiro as well as the State of Pennsylvania for reaching bipartisan compromise for the sake of schools, social services, and families across our city and state,” said George Matysik, executive director of Share Food Program. “At a time when our federal government has continued to fail Pennsylvanians, the Shapiro administration and our state elected officials have stepped up to pass a budget that helps support them. I am proud of our Pennsylvania legislators for rising above the poisonous politics of Washington to deliver for our neighbors.”

The final budget comes after months-long delay, stalling critical funding for programs that supply food to organizations like Share. During this time, Share Food Program received fewer deliveries and had less capacity to purchase PA-grown products, further exacerbating the hunger crisis in the midst of a federal government shutdown and interrupted SNAP benefits. 

“The budget impasse was challenging for our organization and the many we serve, but we needed a good budget, not a fast budget, and one that invests in the wellbeing of our communities, and that is what we’re grateful to be seeing today.”

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About Share Food Program

Share Food Program is the leading hunger relief organization in the Greater Philadelphia region, working to eradicate food insecurity through food distribution, education, and advocacy. Through partnerships with nearly 800 schools and 360+ community-based organizations and partner pantries, Share Food Program feeds hundreds of thousands of neighbors in need each month.

To learn more and get involved, visit www.sharefoodprogram.org, or follow us on Facebook @sharefood and Twitter and Instagram @sharefoodphilly.