Governor’s Budget Includes Increases for Schools, Replacing Federal Funding
On Feb. 3, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled a $53.3 billion state budget proposal that would use emergency funds to boost basic and special education spending in identified underfunded public schools and to help Pennsylvanians affected by recent changes in federal Medicaid and nutrition programs. Check here to track and see
State Budget Passes with Increases for Hunger Funding; Abandons RGGI Participation
On Wednesday, November 12, PA lawmakers passed a $50.1 billion budget after a four-month impasse. The final budget includes increased spending on education, hunger programs, and an earned income tax credit, along with funding for crucial social service programs that have suffered under the combined harm of the budget stalemate
Bishop Curry Issues Pastoral Message for These Troubled Days
November 12, 2025 When I was installed as your presiding bishop, the preacher proclaimed that in times of division, disruption and fear, God calls us, through love, to lift up one another just as Christ lifts us up. I have taken that to heart and been alert to all the
What to Know About Recent SNAP Changes and How Communities Can Help
Millions of Pennsylvanians, including many of those in our congregations and served by our ministries, are facing greater food insecurity in the wake of recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -- vulnerability amplified by the federal government shutdown and lack of a state budget. See how this
Lutherans add “Our Voices” to “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday
On Sunday, September 7 Lutherans marked the annual, denomination-wide day of service, "God's work. Our hands." Sunday. The day of service has been a staple of many congregations for the past twelve years. This year, several congregations across the Commonwealth engaged with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Pennsylvania to amplify their
Lutheran Day in the Capitol Builds Ecologies of Grace
More than 215 Lutherans and friends of faith took to the state Capitol on May 13 to remind lawmakers of their responsibility to care for neighbors experiencing hunger and poverty – especially in light of looming cuts and policy retreats at the federal level. Against the backdrop of ecological breakdown
LAMPa Releases 2025-2027 Policy Agenda
The PA General Assembly runs on a biennial basis. LAMPa's Policy Council sets a policy agenda before each session begins and revises as necessary midway through the term. Below are the policy priorities and issue areas LAMPa will be focused on in as we begin this session. Other priorities
PA Bishops, Hunger Leaders, Take to Hill for a Strong Farm Bill
Pennsylvania bishops, synod staff and hunger advocates took to Capitol Hill on Oct. 26 to call on leaders to pass a Farm Bill reauthorization that feeds the hungry here and abroad, supports healthy rural and farming communities and reflects care for creation. Visits to congressional offices and the U.S. Department
PA Launches Statewide Food Policy Council
Pennsylvania's first statewide Food Policy Council launched May 25 with its inaugural meeting at the state Department of Agriculture. Advocates, including LAMPa, have been working for years toward the creation of such a council to foster coordination, collaboration and a holistic vision to the commonwealth's food system. "I am thrilled
Food Programs Expand Eligibility — Some May Need to Reapply
LAMPa applauds recent actions taken by the Wolf Administration to expand eligibility for hunger-fighting programs in Pennsylvania and advises feeding ministries and advocates to encourage people who may once have been ineligible to re-apply for programs now. In late September, Gov. Tom Wolf marked Hunger Action Month by announcing updates
