The government safety-net is a complex maze of confusing programs, rules, and departments. The first steps to ending poverty and hunger are to expand participation in government programs, educate people about their rights, and eliminate barriers to safety-net programs. The programs we focus on are:
- Welfare: State and federal welfare programs are important safety nets for low-income families. Many of these programs are administered by Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare, and involve difficult applications and complicated requirements. Just Harvest works to educate and empower low-income people about the welfare system, their rights and responsibilities, and how to get the benefits they are entitled to. Our efforts help get eligible people enrolled and receiving the benefits they deserve.
- Food Stamps: Food Stamps (now the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program--SNAP) are one of the most important safe-guards against hunger and extreme poverty in America. Over 10% of Americans receive Food Stamp assistance, but unfortunately the program is not reaching everyone who needs it. In Pennsylvania, an estimated 25% of eligible people do not receive benefits (almost half a million people). We work through speaking engagements, conferences, workshops, media outlets, advertisements, and application assistance to let people know about the program, the benefits they are entitled to, and the rights and responsibilities that come with participation.
- Child Nutrition: Child nutrition programs have improved in recent years, including the implementation of an after school supper program in Pennsylvania (one of only seven states with this type of program - thanks to us and our partners). However, many low-income families don’t know about all the services available. Through informational meetings, brochures, and media outlets, Just Harvest is getting the word out about how to keep kids well fed.
- Targeted Tax Credits: Many eligible workers do not file for valuable tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness. The EITC alone is worth up to $5,657 and can increase a family’s income by as much as 45%. In 2006, the EITC brought over $119 million to 71,035 Allegheny County families. Together with our partners we annually distribute thousands of brochures and talk to hundreds of working people about the EITC, Child Tax Credit, PA Tax Forgiveness and free tax assistance through partnerships with government, social service, business, labor, media and community organizations.