Farmers across the commonwealth have been turning over their fruits, vegetables, eggs and more to a state program that makes sure their neighbors don’t go hungry.

The Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System helps Pennsylvanians in need, not just during September’s Hunger Action Month but throughout the year.

“We cannot have a charitable food system without a food system that is charitable,” Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said.

According to information from the agriculture department, PASS has distributed more than 23 million pounds of surplus food from farmers to the needy, and has simultaneously generated more than $40 million in economic output.

Locally, over the last 8 years, Harding’s Farm Market in Orwigsburg turned over 9,592 pounds of fresh fruit, and Koch’s Turkey Farm in Tamaqua contributed 189,978 pounds of ground turkey. Huntsinger Farms Inc. in Hegins supplied 4,900 pounds of fresh vegetables; Masser Potato Farms in Sacramento chipped in $2.4 million pounds of potatoes, and Sernak Farms near Weatherly provided 472,902 pounds of apples, cabbage, corn and potatoes.

Food distributors receive foods from PASS and work with food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to get items to the needy.

In Schuylkill County, distributions are handled by the Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, while the Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeast PA handles Carbon, Monroe, Lehigh and Northampton counties.

The department notes that farmers are reimbursed for the costs of harvesting, processing and transporting the foods. Without PASS, the foods would likely be left to rot in the field, be plowed under or dumped.

“Hunger exists in every district and county across the entire state of Pennsylvania. With soaring food prices and the inflation rate at its highest in 40 years, many Pennsylvanians are facing impossible choices between buying food and paying for other necessities like rent and medicine,” said Feeding Pennsylvania CEO Jane Clements. “When difficult times hit, food can be the first thing people forego to make ends meet, so Feeding PA invites individuals across the state to join us this Hunger Action Month to help raise awareness and funds to ensure that no one in Pennsylvania goes without food.”

PASS was established in 2010, and funded for the first time in 2015.

“It’s crucial that the legislature continues to partner with and support the state agencies tasked with administering food programs as well as the food banks that work tirelessly to feed people in need each day,” said state Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks.