In July 2007 Just Harvest began a partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to help with Food Stamp outreach and applications. Food Stamps (now officially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program--SNAP) is the country's largest food safety net program, reaching more than 10% of people. For tens of millions of Americans, food stamps keep food on the table during hard times.
In addition to promoting and explaining Food Stamps, Just Harvest helps clients through the complex application process. Ninety-eight percent of these applicants have a positive experience with Just Harvest and find our staff and program accessible. Only 60% felt similarly about the Department of Public Welfare, noting that overburdened caseworkers could not give them the time and attention they needed. Assisting clients with the application process helps to make the system more approachable, understandable, and accessible.
We have seen dramatic increases in the number of clients we serve. In the first six months of 2009, we helped complete over 500 applications, more than triple the number during the same period in 2008.
This work with Food Stamp clients gives us more direct experience to advocate for better program administration and fairer legislative standards.
If you are interested in learning more about our work with food stamps, or applying for benefits contact a Food Stamp Specialist at (412)431-8963. You can also apply online through the COMPASS system, or contact the Department of Public Welfare directly.
Check out our Summer Food Map to learn about the current free summer food sites for children in Allegheny County. Also visit our Service Links page to link to other related social service organizations.
To find out more about federal food programs, visit the Food Research and Action Center. To learn about how food programs work in Pennsylvania visit the Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center.
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