March News
March has been a monumental month! We reached major milestones and brought together members of the community for another incredible annual Empty Bowls. We are so grateful for your continued support, and we are looking forward to what’s next.
Before we jump into it, check out Just Harvest’s Dan McCarthy and Ann Sanders visiting the PA Capitol building during the PA Hunger Action Coalition lobby day last Wednesday!
- Heather & The Just Harvest Team
Take Action
Be the first to know how to get involved to advocate against hunger in your community!
Protect the Food Justice Fund
Help ensure that our communities across Pittsburgh have access to the food they need. While the city is making major financial decisions and crucial investments, our leaders need to hear from us all. Attend the City of Pittsburgh’s public hearing on April 14th at 1:30PM to advocate for the Food Justice Fund. Can’t attend? Write to your City Councilor!
Keep Families Together
The U.S. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is proposing to prohibit mixed-status families from living in HUD-assisted housing or receiving housing assistance. This proposed rule will force families with mixed immigration status to either face eviction and homelessness, or break up the household. Comments due April 21st.
Protect & Strengthen WIC
Take action to protect WIC and increase access by emailing members of Congress using this tool from the National WIC Association. Do you have comments about how WIC can be improved? Now is your opportunity to voice suggestions to improve the PA WIC program! Click the button to find the PA WIC public comment schedule.
Shape Allegheny County’s Future
Allegheny County is planning for the next 25 years with Allegheny Forward, a long-range framework to guide growth, investment, and development. This is a crucial moment to share how investing in food access for our neighborhoods builds a more just future for our communities.
Important Updates
$100 Million in Refunds!
"For more than two decades, this program has helped people receive the tax credits and refunds they've earned. Reaching $100 million in refunds means millions of dollars going to household budgets and circulating through our local economy" said Heather Seiders, Interim Executive Director, "That strengthens financial stability and helps reduce hunger and poverty in our community."
SNAP Changes
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 or visit dhs.pa.gov/work to help identify whether you should be exempt from the SNAP work requirements.
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. Important Dates: May 4: Last day to register to vote (by 5 PM). May 12: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot (by 5 PM) May 19: Election Day Vote in person, 7 AM – 8 PM or mail-in ballot arrive by 8 PM.
Recent & Upcoming Events
Just Ideas: Ending SNAP Benefit Theft
Our policy discussion and fundraiser series Just IDEAs returns on Friday, April 10th! Join us to learn more about the ongoing SNAP skimming crisis. Hear from our panelists on the impact felt by families, and the need for action. Since December 20th, 2024, SNAP benefits have no longer been able to be replaced – leaving families with nowhere to turn in a time of need.
Empty Bowls was Incredible!
Thanks to the volunteers, soup and bowl donors, artists, Rodef Shalom Congregation, and amazing supporters who made this year’s Empty Bowls another incredible event! We raised nearly $125,000! Your support to Just Harvest and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank helps connect families all throughout Pittsburgh to the food they need to thrive.
Just Drinks
Just Drinks was a blast this month! We will be back for another fun evening on April 16th 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 and enjoy tunes from local DJs, tasty food truck bites, 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
‘The best course I’ve taught’: Duquesne business students, faculty volunteer to help with taxes
“After hearing in 2018 about a way to help low- to middle-income individuals and families with preparing their tax returns, Amy Yurko, now an associate professor of accounting at Duquesne University’s Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, wanted to get her students involved” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette).
Job Opportunity
City of Pittsburgh Farmers Market Coordinator
The Farmers Market Coordinator is responsible for the operations of the City of Pittsburgh-run Farmers Markets. This individual will be the point of contact for vendors and patrons and will work to ensure that markets run on time and that all parties have a positive market experience.
Note: all City of Pittsburgh employees must reside in the City.
Thank you for your continued support to Just Harvest’s mission to address the root causes of hunger.
