April News
Just Harvest is excited to announce Heather Seiders as Executive Director effective April 1, 2026. Heather follows Ken Regal, who retired after nearly 40 years at Just Harvest. Heather brings more than 15 years of nonprofit operations and fundraising experience to her new role and looks forward to leading Just Harvest in its next phase of growth as Executive Director.
As the organization celebrates 40 years working to address the root causes of hunger and poverty, Heather will lead Just Harvest in continuing its work to meet immediate needs while advancing long-term solutions that address the root causes of food insecurity. Read more here about Heather, in a spotlight interview as she stepped into her Interim role in July of 2025.
“We’re at a moment where access to basic needs like food and benefits is becoming more politicized and complicated. Our role is to cut through that to make systems more accessible and more responsive while continuing to advocate for the policy changes that make lasting impact possible” - Heather Seiders, Executive Director.
Take Action
Be the first to know how to get involved to advocate against hunger in your community!
Protect and Strengthen WIC
Protect WIC and increase access by emailing members of Congress with this tool from the National WIC Association. Do you have comments about how WIC can be improved? Attend a PA WIC Public Comment meeting and submit your comments here.
Important Updates
Farmers Markets
Fresh Access farmers markets are nearly here! The 2026 season kicks off next month – and we can’t wait! Head to the markets where you can use SNAP, credit or debit to buy fresh, nutritious, local food. Food Bucks gives SNAP shoppers an extra $2 to spend on fruits and veggies for every $5 they spend. And, we are thrilled to share the dollar-for-dollar SNAP match is returning to farmers markets within city limits while funding lasts – thanks to the City of Pittsburgh's Food Justice Fund!
Tax Season is a Wrap!
We can’t believe we just closed the doors on another tax season! Thank you to our incredible team of staff and volunteers who worked hard to complete over 3,000 returns this season, and put nearly $6 million in refunds back into the pockets of hardworking families.
Last year, Congress passed a budget bill that includes changes to SNAP – including work requirements that some recipients must meet to maintain benefits. Use this screener from CLS to help identify whether you should be exempt from the SNAP work requirements. Have you been impacted by SNAP changes?
Primary Election May 19th from 7 AM to 8 PM
Visit vote.pa.gov to register, apply for a mail-in ballot, change address, name, or party, find polling place. Four satellite locations will be open May 9th and 10th from 10 AM to 2 PM. Ten mail-in ballot drop-off locations will operate from 11 AM to 7 PM on May 15th and 18th, as well as from 9 AM to 5 PM on May 16th and 17th.
Recent & Upcoming Events
VIP PA Candidate Forum
The Voting is Power PGH Regional Coalition (VIP) is hosting a candidate forum for the 24th State Legislative District tomorrow, May 1st from 6:30-7:30 PM at Community Forge. Hear from Candidates: Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes and William Anderson. Submit questions here and register below.
PCAM Spring Artists Market
Stop by the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media’s Spring Artist Market this weekend and say hi to our team at the Just Harvest tent! Spend your Saturday afternoon enjoying the warm weather in the park, surrounded by wonderful local art – open from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Ending SNAP Theft
We are grateful to Senator Jay Costa, Justin King of Propel, Sarah Read of Just Harvest, and community member Sabrina Jones for sharing their experiences and perspectives on the ongoing SNAP theft crisis.You can take action today to protect victims.
Just Drinks
Just Drinks was a blast this month! We will be back for another fun evening on May 14th from 6-8 pm. We hope to see you again for a night where $1 from each drink benefits Just Harvest! Stop by with friends to hear tunes from local DJs Miss Mungo, Brian Siewiorek, Paul Seif, and Good Dude LoJack — and, enjoy tasty food truck bites from Blowfish BBQ, and delicious drinks from Trace!
Find Us in the Community
Want to catch us out in the community? Maybe you first met us at a resource fair, or found our flyer while picking up a new book from the library. Follow us on socials to find out where we will be this month & what other events are happening near you!
In the News
“Allegheny County leaders hold panel to discuss ongoing SNAP benefit theft crisis”
We’re Hiring!
We’re Hiring a 2026 Fresh Access On-Site Coordinator for the Carnegie Farmers Market! Love being outdoors and being part of a team? Work at a local farmers market and connect with vendors, shoppers, and the Pittsburgh community!
Thank you for your continued support to Just Harvest’s mission to address the root causes of hunger.
