June News
This past Independence Day, President Donald Trump signed into law the deepest cuts ever made to food assistance and healthcare—lifelines for millions. These cuts are deliberate choices that will deepen hunger, force impossible decisions, and harm families already struggling to get by.
At Just Harvest, we’ve mobilized our community to push back. Many of you took action—calling, emailing, showing up. Congress didn’t listen. But we’re not backing down.
This newsletter highlights that fight—and what comes next. You’ll find ways to take action, stories from the ground, and a look at how we’re continuing to stand up to hunger. In times like these, collective action is our most powerful tool.
“This is a devastating blow to families already on the edge across Pennsylvania. Just Harvest is mobilizing with our communities and partners across the state to fight back—and to demand policies that protect, not punish, those struggling to get by.”
In solidarity,
Heather Seiders
Interim Executive Director
Take Action
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!
Use this tool to thank members of Congress who voted “no” on the budget bill – and hold members accountable that voted in support of the atrocious cuts to food assistance and healthcare.
Congress failed to extend federal authority to replace stolen SNAP benefits in December, 2024. Between October 2022 and 2024, there were nearly $9 Million in nutrition benefits stolen from low-income households. PA needs to act to make EBT transactions more secure. A total investment of $14 M is needed to begin the process of transitioning to chip/tap cards, of which the state would need to pay half.
Between cuts to benefits within the federal budget bill, SNAP benefits being stolen, and the need for program investments like SNAP match at farmers markets – sharing how important SNAP is to you is a key way to help inform legislators about how SNAP matters and how it can be better (your story can be anonymous)!
In recent years, Food Bucks have enabled Pennsylvanians to purchase an additional $300,000 annually in fruits and vegetables. The program reaches nearly 55,000 households in PA every year. If PA invested $2 million to support Healthy Food Incentives, we could: double the number of households reached, help families buy more fruits and veggies, and support 25 additional retailers!
Important Updates
Fair Share Bus Tour
We joined a national bus tour to oppose the horrible budget bill that passed Congress. We joined Fair Share America and Unrig Our Economy as they traveled the country in support of a budget that would put families over billionaires. Just Harvest’s Ann Sanders spoke alongside speakers from Pennsylvanians Together, 1Hood, SEIU Healthcare PA, MomsRising, For Our Future and other powerful allies!
Calling for NO Cuts!
Just Harvest team members took to McCormick’s office to tell him HANDS OFF SNAP! In the weeks leading up to the passage of the reconciliation budget bill, advocates everywhere took a stand against cuts to essential programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Thank you to everyone who spoke against these devastating cuts – we still have work ahead, and you can support us by taking action against hunger.
Market season is in full swing, with an exciting dollar-for-dollar SNAP match at 8 Fresh Access markets within the City of Pittsburgh! And Food Bucks – a program implemented by Just Harvest and the Food Trust – provides SNAP shoppers $2 for every $5 spent. Shoppers can stretch their budgets and get more local fruits and vegetables than ever before! Stop by and say hi to our incredible staff and volunteers at the Just Harvest tent!
Upcoming & Recent Events
Ken Regal’s Retirement Celebration!
We are so grateful for everyone who could join us for a night to celebrate Ken Regal’s retirement and incredible career at Just Harvest! If you were not able to attend, view a recording below of Ken and Heather’s sit down discussion. As we step into this new chapter, support from community members like you will fuel the crucial work we have ahead of us. Thank you for taking part in our nearly 40 years of work to protect our neighbors in Allegheny County from hunger.
Watch Ken & Heather’s Candid Conversation
Call for Artists!
We are looking for art that confronts, critiques and transforms conversations around social justice to have in our annual show, Just Art. All skill levels and mediums are welcome! We are hosting our annual event JustART on October 16th at the Irma Freeman gallery in Garfield. This show will highlight the stories and perspectives of artists and community members through the lens of advocacy and reform. Join us in this creative discourse by submitting artwork that speaks to our mission.
John Lewis Day of Action July 17th
Join us for a National Day of Action celebrating John Lewis, featuring advocates, community organizations, food and music at the Allegheny Commons Park. Now more than ever, we need to come together and continue John Lewis’ fight for justice and dignity for all. If you want to help at the Just Harvest table, please email Dan McCarthy at danmn@justharvest.org!
When: July 17th, 4pm 8pm
Where: Allegheny Commons Park at W North Ave & Arch Street.
Get to Know Us!
Heather has worked on the Just Harvest team for over 15 years, and steps into this position with a wealth of knowledge and experience. She most recently served as Director of Engagement, where she strengthened community partnerships, organized major fundraising events and growth, and led key improvements in the operations of the organization. Click the button below to learn a little more about Heather!
“I believe deeply in the power of collective action and the power of public policy to transform people’s lives.”
Remembering Betty Sundry
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our friend and cherished community member, Sister Betty Sundry of Sisters of Divine Providence. We will remember Betty for her deep involvement in social causes and civil rights. Betty was more than a long-standing supporter of Just Harvest & fierce activist – she was a friend, who will be dearly missed by many.
To view a photo album and share your thoughts and stories of Sister Betty Sundry, or make a contribution in her honor, click the button below to visit the Sister of Divine Providences memorial page.
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!
