August News
Thanks to incredible support from people like you, we surpassed our goal of raising $10,000 this summer to help strengthen our work in 2025 and beyond! Whether you took part in our critical needs #ONEDAY of giving, made a contribution during our mid-year campaign, joined us in celebrating Ken Regal’s retirement, or visited us at the PCAM YART sale — each gift helped us raise over $18,000 this summer!
We are setting the foundation for our future, and we couldn’t do it without you. In every action you take, you are helping to build a better future for your neighbors and community.
Take Action
September is Action Hunger Month! Be the first to know how to get involved to advocate for the protection and strengthening of SNAP and other important programs!
Sign Up Here for Future Action Alerts!
A State Budget For All
The state budget is overdue, and we have several actions you can take today to advocate that our most essential programs and services are fairly funded!
Utilize PPT’s letter writing tool to contact your reps and PA Senate leadership and advocate that mass transit is funded. Click here to see Just Harvest’s Ann Sanders speak at PPT and Transit for All PA’s recent event calling for a finished budget that funds our transit and our schools.
Take the #Week Without Driving pledge & call for change!
Pennsylvania must take action to start the process of rolling out more secure EBT cards – and invest $7 million in the state budget this year to provide funding for shipped EBT cards and equipment.
Organizations — Sign/share a letter hosted by FRAC and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities urging Members to cosponsor the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025. The sign-on letter urges support to repeal the harmful SNAP cuts from the budget reconciliation law. The deadline to sign is September 17, 2025.
Thank you to everyone who has shared your story with us. Right now, we are mobilizing to uplift your stories as we advocate for state and federal action to protect victims of SNAP theft. Among cuts to benefits and the ongoing rise in benefit theft – your voice is a powerful tool to share with legislators how important SNAP is to the people and communities they serve.
Interested in a follow up conversation or sharing your story? Fill out the form below (you can remain anonymous).
Important Updates
Changes to Benefits
Over the past month, Just Harvest has been joining with partners around the state to inform our community about the upcoming changes to SNAP benefits that will harm families this fall.
View the recordings from these virtual sessions to learn more about federal changes that are likely to alter access and change requirements for many.
SNAP Work Requirements & Restrictions on Immigrant Eligibility
Just Harvest and CLS hosted a webinar to explain the SNAP work requirements and changes to immigrant eligibility rules. View the recording.
Mobilizing to Mitigate Harm From HR1, The Big Brutal Bill
Read more from our Director of Public Benefits Policy and Programs, Ann Sanders.
In just the past few years, more than $17 million in benefits have been stolen from financially struggling families here in Pennsylvania. We brought together key voices and community members to speak on this issue – because we can’t wait any longer. To hear what Congresswoman Summer Lee, Representative Emily Kinkead and Representative Abigail Salisbury had to say about the rising theft, click the button below to watch our full press conference.
Farmers Market Week was incredible! We are so thrilled to have been joined by so many of you at our Fresh Access markets to celebrate this amazing season. Be sure to make it out to a market before the season ends (P.S. Don’t miss the dollar for dollar SNAP match at select markets)!
Learn More Here!
Just Drinks & YART
Thank you to Trace Brewing for another fantastic Just Drinks night, and thank you to Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media for organizing another incredible yART sale. We had a blast, and were thrilled to see so many plants from Phipps, and Empty Bowls pots, find a home. Whether you made it to Just Drinks or yART, we appreciate your support. Be sure to stop by the next one on October 9th from 6-8 PM at Trace Brewing. $1 from every beverage supports our work to increase access to food for families throughout Pittsburgh.
Upcoming Events
JustART is Back!
Our annual art show & fundraiser, JustART, is back this year on October 16th at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination! Get your tickets today for what promises to be an exciting and thought provoking event. The show will highlight the stories and perspectives of artists and community members through the lens of advocacy and reform. We are still seeking submissions of art that confront, critique and transform conversations around social justice.
All skill levels and mediums are welcome! Join us in this creative discourse by securing your ticket today, or submitting artwork that speaks to our mission.
Where to 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. Click the button below to find out where we will be this month & what other events are happening near you.
Get to Know Us!
Welcome our new Grassroots Organizer, Dan McCarthy! Dan attended Boston College where he was first introduced to the world of activism, which set him on his path into organizing. He has jumped into action at Just Harvest, doing incredible work on a campaign to End SNAP Benefit Theft. We are thrilled to have him on our team!
Position Announcement
Tax Return Reviewer
Help us provide free tax preparation to low-moderate income taxpayers who cannot afford to pay for tax assistance. Just Harvest is seeking skilled and committed professionals to review income tax returns completed by volunteers and staff at our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites.
Thank you for your continued support to Just Harvest’s mission to address the root causes of hunger. Donate & Sign up for our newsletter below!
