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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Pennsylvania Food Policy Council State Agencies

    The Pennsylvania Food Policy Council includes a 16-seat advisory committee and a nine-person inter-agency council consisting of eight state agencies. These eight state agencies work to administer state and federal programs, build partnerships, and fill in gaps across the food system.

    The following information as it is provided for each of the eight state agencies that are part of the Pennsylvania Food Policy Council represents each agency’s resources as related to their specific food security/food systems management efforts. Each of the eight state agency’s resources and information available below pertain to their responsibility in helping fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the Pennsylvania Food Policy Council and pertain to why the Pennsylvania Food Policy Council was established, which is to:

    • Evaluate issues facing Pennsylvania’s food system including, but not limited to, developing and implementing strategies to improve food security and nutrition, and reduce food waste.
    • Facilitate coordination of interagency efforts designated to reduce hunger and improve nutrition for Pennsylvania residents over their entire lifespan.
    • Facilitate the organization of private and public sector efforts to improve the Commonwealth’s response to challenges in the food system and support food sovereignty.

    Users can access these resources to learn about the programs offered as related to their applicability to the Pennsylvania Food Policy Council and can explore the state agencies individual websites to explore additional resources and learn more. 
     

    Overview

    Created in 1978, the department serves as the state unit on aging, advocating for the interests of all older Pennsylvanians, overseeing an array of benefits, services, and programs that are made available through its network of 52 local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which cover the commonwealth's 67 counties.

    The department provides a wide array of services and programs intended to help older Pennsylvanians live and thrive in their homes and communities for as long as possible. These services include home-delivered and congregate meals, caregiver support, health and wellness services, personal assistance, senior community centers, Medicare enrollment counseling, transportation, job training, elder abuse prevention, PACE prescription assistance and more.

     

    Contact

    ra-agingwebemail@pa.gov

     

    Resources

     

    Guidelines and Resources

    Federal

    • Older Americans Act
      • Describes the Older Americans Act, a federal law that aims to promote the well-being of older Americans by providing them with essential services, including nutrition, health care, and social support.
    • Dietary Guidelines for Americans
      • The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provides advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutrient needs, promote health, and prevent disease. It is developed and written for a professional audience, including policymakers, healthcare providers, nutrition educators, and Federal nutrition program operators.
    • 2022 U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code
      • The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publishes the Food Code, a model that assists food control jurisdictions at all levels of government by providing them with a scientifically sound technical and legal basis for regulating the retail and food service segment of the industry (restaurants and grocery stores and institutions such as nursing homes)


    State

    • FAQs for food safety and menu compliance.
    • Online Food Safety and Menu Compliance Monitoring Training:
      • To access this online training, individuals must have an account with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Learning Management System (PDA LMS). The account-holder must have the ‘Nutrition’ training category selected for their Course Catalog.


    Additional Resources

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
      • Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.
    •  Administration for Community Living
      • The Administration for Community Living was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities.
      • By funding services and supports provided primarily by networks of community-based organizations, and with investments in research, education, and innovation, ACL helps make this principle a reality for millions of Americans
    • National Council on Aging
      • The National Council on Aging (NCOA) delivers the resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy our nation needs to ensure that every person can age with health and economic well-being.

    Overview

    The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages, protects, and promotes a safe, nutritious, and abundant food supply — from farm to fork — so that all Pennsylvanians can share in the harvest.

     

    Contact

    RA-Fooddist@pa.gov

     

    Resources

    • Farmers Market Nutrition Programs
      • The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provide WIC recipients and low-income seniors with vouchers which can be redeemed for fresh, nutritious, unprepared, Pennsylvania-grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These vouchers can be redeemed with more than 1,000 approved farmers in Pennsylvania, benefiting both those who grow our food and those who are in need of additional food resources. Both programs are federally funded, with additional funding provided annually by the state.
    • Agricultural Surplus Program
      • The Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) was designed to reduce food waste, support farmers, and provide food-insecure Pennsylvanians with additional access to locally produced foods. Through PASS, growers, processors, and distributors can donate safe, wholesome food while being reimbursed for the costs of harvesting, processing, packaging, and transporting products. Instead of being left in the fields or landfilled, PASS ensures these foods are diverted to Pennsylvania’s food banks.
    • PA Farm Bill
      • The Pennsylvania Farm Bill is a bold, aggressive, and necessary investment in Pennsylvania agriculture — and our food system — to grow opportunities and resources, remove barriers to entry, and inspire future generations of leaders within agriculture. Food systems grant opportunities available within the PA Farm Bill include the PA Farm to School Grant Program, the Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Grant, the PA Preferred Organic™ Program, and the Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant, as well as Farm Vitality Grants for business planning.
    • Senior Food Box Program
      • Known nationally as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), Pennsylvania’s Senior Food Box Program is the name for this federally funded program that provides more than 38,000 low-income, older Pennsylvanians with a monthly supplemental food package. While these food packages are not intended to provide a complete diet, they are good sources of the nutrients typically lacking in the diets of low-income seniors.
    • State Food Purchase Program
      • The State Food Purchase Program provides cash grants to all 67 counties for the purchase and distribution of food to low-income individuals. It is intended to supplement the efforts of local food pantries, soup kitchens, feeding programs, shelters for the homeless, and similar organizations working to reduce hunger.
    • The Emergency Food Assistance Program
      • The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income individuals by providing them free emergency food assistance. Through TEFAP, the PA Department of Agriculture is able to source a variety of nutritious, high-quality USDA Foods, and make those foods available to local, charitable feeding organizations that directly serve the public, such as food pantries and soup kitchens, in all 67 counties.
    • USDA Foods in Schools and Child Nutrition Program
      • The USDA Foods Program provides high-quality, 100% American-grown food, to schools, child-care facilities, and institutions that participate in USDA child nutrition programs. USDA Foods add versatile, budget-friendly options for schools and institutions to provide Pennsylvania children with appealing, healthy meals. The PA Department of Agriculture receives USDA Foods from USDA-approved vendors and helps to distribute them to PA Department of Education-approved schools and child nutrition program providers throughout the state.

    Overview

    The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) works every day to ensure Pennsylvania is a premier state to do business, where we adopt and innovate the next generation of breakthroughs in a diverse mix of industry clusters, where we cultivate a resilient economy, and where we invest in our people and our communities to build a stronger Pennsylvania that works for all the residents, workers, businesses, and entrepreneurs that call our Commonwealth home.

     

    Contact

    ra-dcednapmail@pa.gov  

     

    Resources

    • Neighborhood Assistance Program
      • For over 30 years, the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) has been a valuable resource for nonprofits, businesses and neighborhoods. The goal of NAP is to encourage community participation and partnerships among nonprofits, businesses and residents, aiming to benefit distressed areas and/or low-income populations.  When a business donates cash or in-kind donation, such as food, to an approved NAP applicant, the business is eligible for a tax credit from the Commonwealth. The NAP has five subprograms covering a range of activities. 
      • The Charitable Food Program (CFP) component of NAP is focused on improving food security in Pennsylvania. CFP assists charitable programs that provide food to low income populations in distressed areas. A tax credit of up to 65% can be awarded.
    • Fresh Food Financing Initiative
      • Led through The Food Trust, The Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI) goal is to increase access to healthy, affordable food outlets in underserved, low-income areas. FFFI supports local economies by providing one-time grants and loans through Community Development Financial Institution partners to independent, healthy food retailers that will: expand fresh food offerings, establish innovative fresh food distribution methods and increase or retain living-wage jobs.
    • BusinessPA
      • BusinessPA focuses on amplifying the Commonwealth’s investments in high-growth, high-value sectors where Pennsylvania has both a deep competitive advantage and where we expect significant potential for growth in the next ten years — especially in higher-wage, family sustaining jobs. BusinessPA is committed to targeting the following sectors, offering Pennsylvania the best ability to achieve its goals and present broad opportunity for all regions of the state:
        • 1.)   Agriculture 2.) Energy 3.) Life Sciences 4.) Manufacturing 5.) Robotics and technology
      • Pennsylvania is a national leader in several key commodity areas including dairy, fruit production, specialty crops, livestock, and poultry production.  Pennsylvania, like many agricultural regions, stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, facing the pressing need for the integration of cutting-edge modern technology into agriculture, known informally as AgTech. AgTech will help farmers continue to innovate to optimize yields, reduce environmental impacts through precision agriculture, and reduce energy consumption. Our embrace of AgTech helps ensure food security and economic stability while also signifying a commitment to sustainability, offering a path to a more resilient and efficient agricultural future. 

    Overview

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) Bureau of Food and Nutrition oversees federal child nutrition programs in Pennsylvania with the goal of ensuring all children throughout the Commonwealth have access to nutritious meals.  The Bureau offers various technical assistance programs to support program operators, such as in-person and online trainings, written guidance and resources, and hands-on trainings. PDE coordinates with other state agencies and organizations to promote access to child nutrition programs, support collaboration between farms and schools on nutrition efforts, and prevent food waste in the context of these programs.

     

    Contacts

    RA-NSLP@pa.gov – National School Lunch Program

    RA-CACFP@pa.gov – Child and Adult Food Program

    RA-SFSP@pa.gov – Summer Food

     

    Resources

    Overview

    The Department of Environmental Protection promotes food waste reduction measures through education, technical assistance, and grant programs that support the recovery of excess food to feed people and to use food waste to generate a beneficially used product as a result of the composting or anaerobic digestion process.

     

    Contact

    ra-eprecyclepa@pa.gov

     

    Resources

    • Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant 
      • The intent of the Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant programs is to reduce, to the greatest extent practicable, the amount of fresh and processed foodstuffs currently entering Pennsylvania’s waste stream. This grant supports registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agencies operating programs within the Commonwealth that provide food to the public who partner with retailers/wholesalers of foodstuffs operating in the Commonwealth to capture and serve apparently safe and wholesome foods before they become a waste. This is a reimbursement grant that supports the cost of eligible equipment to store, prepare, and/or transport the recovered fresh, wholesome food.
    • 901 Planning Grant – Feasibility Studies
      • The 901 Planning Grant is a reimbursement grant that can be applied for and used by Counties for feasibility studies for municipal waste processing, disposal, or compost facilities, among other eligible uses of the grant. Certain compost facilities could be permitted to include source-separated food waste as a material to be composted.
    • 902 Municipal Program Development and Implementation Grant
      • The 902 Grant is a reimbursement grant for PA municipalities for the cost of eligible recycling program development and implementation expenses, such as project development, education, collection and processing equipment, land, and building costs. Projects eligible for grant funding divert source-separated recyclable materials from municipal solid waste and includes projects that divert source separated food waste and leaf/yard waste from municipal solid waste as well.
    • Recycling Technical Assistance – Composting Technical Assistance Reports 
      • Recycling Technical Assistance is a technical assistance program available to local governments for up to $7500 in contractor services to work with a contractor to help develop, upgrade, and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs to maximize material recovery and ensure program sustainability. Local governments’ projects involving organics, such as composting and/or food waste-related projects, are eligible for this program.
    • Composting
      • The Composting Home Page includes numerous resources for those interested in composting. At this website, there is a link to ‘Permitted Food Waste Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Facilities in PA’ and information about backyard composting, among other resources. Certain compost facilities could be permitted to include source-separated food waste as a material to be composted and food waste is a material that could be backyard composted.
    • PA Food Waste to Renewable Energy Assessment 
      • The PA Food Waste to Renewable Energy Assessment provides the Commonwealth and its partners with the foundation to participate in larger, cross-functional, food waste reduction strategies involving Commonwealth agencies, non-profits, and the private sector. It quantifies, inventories, and examines food waste generation, opportunity for diversion (including the opportunity for greenhouse gas emission reduction), and processing capacity among industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities in Pennsylvania, as well as the anaerobic digestion and composting capacity for processing this food waste. This study provides a timeline of potential strategies and best practices to increase food waste diversion.
    • 2022 PA Waste Characterization Study
      • The PA Waste Characterization Study, published in 2022, includes information about the estimated makeup of materials in the PA waste stream. This study estimated that 17%, or almost 1.6 million tons, of the PA waste stream comprised of food waste. According to this study, food waste was estimated to be the largest single component in the PA waste stream. This study found that over 72%, or nearly 1.15 million tons, of the total estimated amount of food waste in the PA waste stream was edible, wasted food while the inedible proportion of food waste in the PA waste stream was estimated to comprise of nearly 28%, or over 444,000 tons.

    Overview

    The Department of Health increases access to nutritious food and beverages through education, technical assistance, nutrition guidelines, and grant programs that support nutrition security and education in charitable food systems, hospitals, schools, early childhood education, communities, and sustainable local food systems.

     

    Contact

    • For a list of contacts, please click here.

     

    Resources

    • CACFP Participation in Pennsylvania Story Map
      • The CACFP Story Map explores CACFP participation statewide in Pennsylvania. The map specifically highlights CACFP participation in various regions across the state and examines the potential for expanded participation in the context of food access and poverty.
    • Good Food, Healthy Hospitals (GFHH)
      • The Department of Health collaborates with The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania to improve health through the implementation of food service and nutrition guidelines in hospital food service settings. Good Food, Healthy Hospitals expanded its scope in 2024 to provide nutrition security innovation grant awards to hospitals participating in GFHH.
    • Healthy Pantry Initiative
      • The Department of Health collaborates with Feeding PA and its member food banks to increase nutritious food and beverages in food pantries and provide nutrition education.
    • Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child
      • WSCC is a student-centered framework for addressing health in schools. The 10 components of the WSCC framework are: 1. Physical activity; 2. Nutrition environment and services; 3. Health education; 4. Social and emotional climate; 5. Physical environment; 6. Health services; 7. Counseling, psychological, and social services; 8. Employee wellness; 9. Community involvement; and, 10. Family engagement.
    • Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
      • Nutrition Assistance: PA WIC provides supplemental nutritious foods to eligible women, infants, and children, addressing food insecurity and supporting healthy development.
      • Nutrition Education: WIC offers nutrition counseling and education to help families make healthier food choices.
      • Breastfeeding Support: Services include peer counseling, lactation consultations, and access to breastfeeding supplies.
      • Referrals to Health and Social Services: WIC connects families to health care providers, SNAP, Medicaid, and local food banks.
      • Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program: Provides WIC participants with vouchers to purchase fresh, local produce from approved farmers' markets.

    Overview

    At the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to provide all Pennsylvanians with access to healthy, nutritious food, which will improve their well-being, health, and independence. Pennsylvania will leverage the strength of our community and business partners; federal, state, and local resources; and innovations in the charitable food network to set the table for a hunger-free Pennsylvania.

     

    Contact

    Call the Department of Human Services Helpline, toll-free, at 1-800-692-7462 (1-800-451-5886 for individuals with hearing impairments) or your county assistance office.

     

    Resources

    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
      • SNAP helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can obtain more nutritious diets with SNAP, increasing their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card to make food purchases.
    • SUN Bucks - Summer EBT | Department of Human Services
      • SUN Bucks, Pennsylvania’s Summer EBT program, is a grocery benefits program that provides households with a one-time payment for each eligible child to buy food while school is out. Benefits can be used at local participating retailers to purchase groceries.

    Overview

    The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) plays a critical role in supporting the state’s workforce, including those in the food and agriculture sectors. Through programs that provide job training, unemployment benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and enforcement of workplace safety standards, L&I helps ensure that food system employers and workers are equipped to meet current and future labor demands. As part of its mission, L&I partners with stakeholders to strengthen workforce pipelines, including those that help build a resilient and equitable statewide food system.

     

    Contact

    Contact information varies by program. Follow the links to learn more.

    PA CareerLink®

    • PA CareerLink® is a statewide, no-cost employment services network helping make connections among job seekers, training providers, and employers. 
       

    The Center for Workforce Information & Analysis - Labor Market Information

    • L&I’s Center for Workforce Information & Analysis provides information about Pennsylvania’s labor market.  Included are statistics, reports and data dashboards highlighting industry employment counts, employment projections, wage statistics and labor force trends.
       

    Bureau of Workforce Development Administration and Penn State Extension - Workforce Engagement & HR Support for Farms & Agribusiness Grant

    • The Workforce Engagement & HR Support for Farms & Agribusiness grant, launched on June 1, is a capacity-building initiative led by Penn State Extension to support small- and mid-sized Pennsylvania farms with workforce development and HR resources. The program includes needs assessments, customized training, and on-the-ground engagement.

     

    APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINING OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & INDUSTRY

    Overview

    The Apprenticeship & Training Office (ATO) is an integral part of the registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship ecosystem.  Food sustainability is the focus of several registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs throughout the state of Pennsylvania.   Through program sponsorship and targeted grant institutive, these programs strive to create a reliable source of nutritional excellence across all stages of food production and distribution.

     

    Contact

    apprenticeship@pa.gov

     

    Programs

    Penn State Extension - Butcher Apprenticeship Program

    • The Penn State Extension Butcher School Program provides educational opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing careers in Pennsylvania’s meat processing industry. The program emphasizes the development of technical meat processing skills, with a strong focus on food safety and compliance with quality standards.

     

    Center for Diary Excellence - Dairy Herd Manager Apprentice Opportunities

    • The Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship Program and Dairy Laborer Pre-Apprenticeship Program supports dairy farm employers across Pennsylvania by developing skilled professionals trained in herd health, nutrition, and operational management. Apprentices learn to monitor animal well-being, manage feeding and milking routines, maintain detailed records, and ensure the cleanliness and safety of facilities. The program also emphasizes implementing quality control measures to ensure milk meets all regulatory safety and quality standards.

     

    Con Agra Brands - PA CareerLink® - MAINT MECHANIC (Any Ind)

    • Conagra Brands, Inc. is a leading American consumer packaged goods company that produces and markets a wide range of food products available in supermarkets, restaurants, and food service establishments. Apprentices in the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic program support facility operations by assisting with the maintenance, repair, and optimization of manufacturing equipment and systems to uphold operational standards.

     

    Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture - Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship - Pasa Sustainable Agriculture

    • The Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship is a program that offers aspiring farmers a structured, hands-on pathway into vegetable farming. Being a recipient of the Career & Technical Education and Pathway Innovations grants, Pasa has been able to pair participants with experienced mentor farmers to gain practical experience and develop the skills necessary to manage or launch their own farms. The program operates throughout Pennsylvania and neighboring regions.

     

    Clemens Food Group - PA CareerLink® - Electromechanical Technician

    • Clemens Food Group is the fifth-largest pork producer in the United States, committed to delivering high-quality products through advanced food processing systems. Apprentices in this program receive training to install, maintain, and repair automated equipment and computer-controlled manufacturing systems, playing a vital role in supporting the company’s production operations.

     

    Community Kitchen Pittsburgh - PA CareerLink® - Meat Cutter

    • Culinary skills provide the backbone for foodservice professionals to maintain high standards in the industry. CKP is a recipient of PASmart PY20/21 Building, Supporting, and Expanding Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship grant and has utilized those funds to promote the foodservice industry through four registered apprenticeships: culinary specialist-food service, culinary specialist – baker, inventory control specialist, and meat cutter.