Dear

State Food Purchase Program provides grants to all 67 counties for the purchase of foods and nutritional supplements, for critical transportation and infrastructure needs, and to cover the charges associated with accessing federal food commodities.  It is an essential tool for Pennsylvania’s food banks and food pantries in the effort to provide for our most vulnerable citizens.

Farmers Market Nutrition Program serves two important goals: good health for Pennsylvania seniors and WIC families, and higher sales by Pennsylvania fruit and vegetable farmers.  Operating from June to November, this program increases the sales of farmers engaged in direct marketing, teaches nutritious eating habits to young families and helps 175,000 seniors to stay healthy by eating fresh produce.

Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System is a new partnership of the PA Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Association of Regional Food Banks, and the agricultural community. Benefits to the farmers include: avoiding high costs of landfill disposal, creating positive public relations, increasing new market potential, and reducing overhead cost. Food banks would have access to more fresh nutritious Pennsylvania-grown produce to help our neighbors in need.

Neighborhood Assistance Program is not a grant program, but an “incentive” program that provides tax credits to corporations that make contributions to approved programs.  Any business or industry subject to the Pennsylvania corporate net income tax, gross premiums tax, bank & trust company shares tax, title insurance shares, capital stock or foreign franchise tax may receive a 55% tax credit on eligible contributions to approved NAP projects.  The Pennsylvania Charitable Food Network receives millions of dollars donated food through NAP each year.

RX for PA School Food Services is an initiative to improve nutrition.  Research shows that children will perform better in school and reduce their risk for obesity and related illnesses if they have healthy lifestyle.  The program provides incentives to school districts that adopt state standards for the food served in school cafeterias and vending machines.

These programs are vitally important to me because they help feed hungry people in our state. In a state as prosperous as Pennsylvania the need for such programs to exist is beyond dispute.  I hope you agree that these programs must be supported at the levels outlined above (“Request FY 08-09”column) and that you will communicate this position in writing to your caucus leaders.

Thank you in advance on behalf of all Pennsylvanians.

Sincerely,