Turning Surplus Apples into Solutions for Hunger Relief

PEACH GLEN- Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Feeding Pennsylvania CEO Julie Bancroft visited Knouse Foods in Adams County to see how a $1 million state investment is turning surplus Pennsylvania apples into apple sauce and apple juice to feed hungry families across the state. The Shapiro Administration’s investment of $1 million of Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) funds, and $2 million of federal funds offered apple growers a tangible solution to meet the challenge of keeping a bumper crop of apples from going to waste.

“Pennsylvania apple growers had a great year in 2023,” Sec. Redding said. “When they came to the department looking for a solution last fall, we were able to call on existing partnerships across the apple industry and Feeding Pennsylvania’s network, and devote the $1 million increase the PASS program received in the 2023-24 budget to getting nutritious Pennsylvania apple products onto the tables of hungry Pennsylvania families.”

PASS is an innovative program that reimburses farmers and agribusinesses for the costs of harvesting, processing, packaging, and transporting surplus food. Donated food is distributed through a partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania’s network of food banks and pantries, reducing food waste and tackling hunger, while supporting Pennsylvania agriculture. PASS distributed more than four million pounds of food during the 2022-23 fiscal year and is on track to distribute more than five million pounds in 2023-24.