May News
Hi Friend, we know these past few months have been challenging. Our team recently took time to reflect on why we do this work. “Dignity, justice, and community…” These are some of the words that resonate with us deeply, and reflect the core of our mission.
You are an incredibly important part of our work, and we are continuously grateful. Your dedication to taking action and standing up for yourself and the rights of others is invaluable. Let’s join together and make this a summer fighting for the change we want to see.
Now more than ever before, we must stand together for dignity, justice, and community.
Take Action
Sign Up Here for Future Action Alerts!
Protect SNAP!
(Director of Public Benefits Policy and Programs, Ann Sanders at FRAC Conference)
A budget bill recently passed through the House with incredibly damaging proposed cuts to SNAP and other essential programs. Make your voice heard! Call Senators McCormick and Fetterman and tell them to reject any cuts to SNAP in their budget bill! Use our tool to say thank you to those who voted against this cruel budget in the House, or hold those accountable that moved to pass cuts that would do devastating harm to families across the nation.
DC Office: (202) 224-6324 Pittsburgh office: (412) 803-7370
Email Senator McCormickCall Senator Fetterman
DC Office: (202) 224-4254 Pittsburgh Office: (412) 803-3501
Reconciliation Budget Call Script & More Details
Use this tool to say thank you to those who voted against this cruel budget, or hold those accountable that moved to pass cuts that would do devastating harm to families across the nation.
Want to get involved on the ground? Join Indivisible, B-PEP and community partners on June 14th for a NO KINGS national day of action fighting for democracy. Stand against tax breaks for the wealthy and cuts to essential safety net programs!
NO KINGS: Kick Out the Clowns!
Time: Saturday, June 14, 2 – 4 PM
Location: Freedom Corner (Crawford ST. and Centre Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15219)
NO KINGS Pittsburgh
Time: Saturday, June 14, 12:30 – 2:30 PM
Location: City-County Building (414 Grant St. Pittsburgh PA, 15219)
Important Updates
Protect Victims of SNAP Theft
Just Harvest’s Ann Sanders, Dontika Hall, and Heather Seiders attended a lobby day this month in Harrisburg to visit Pennsylvania legislators and advocate for protections to victims of SNAP theft! SNAP Skimming is the electronic theft of benefits from Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards using illegal devices on Point of Sale (POS) machines, scam text messages, or other phishing schemes. Between October 2022 and 2024, there were nearly $9 million in nutrition benefits stolen from low-income households.
Farmers Markets are Here!
Farmers market season just kicked off across the area, and this year, people who receive SNAP benefits will be able to access more fresh, local, and affordable food than ever before. Food Bucks – a program implemented by Just Harvest and the Food Trust – provides SNAP shoppers $2 for every $5 spent to get even more delicious fruits and veggies. Food Justice Fund SNAP match tokens will pair with Food Bucks coupons to bring shoppers a full match at 8 select markets located in the City of Pittsburgh.
Remaining Fresh Access markets without the dollar-for-dollar SNAP match will still have Food Bucks Coupons available. For more information on the Fresh Access programs and farmers market locations, click here: Farmers Markets!
SFMNP Distribution Postponed
The Seniors Farmer Markets Nutrition in-person voucher distribution has been postponed (to June 24th) due to a delay in federal funding from the Trump administration. Stay tuned for new distribution dates/sites/times of vouchers that grant eligible seniors $25 to use at local farmers markets. Applications are NOT accepted by mail. Distribution will be in-person, first come first served, and you must be an Allegheny County resident, meet the income guidelines, and not be in an assisted living facility.
For more information, contact the SeniorLine: Call: 412-350-5460 Visit: Senior Center near you Text: FARMER to 987987
Thanks for Joining at Just Drinks!
Thanks to everyone who showed up for another amazing Just Drinks event at Trace Brewing!
This month, we celebrated the kick off of our Fresh Access season with amazing tunes from local DJ’s, tasty bites, a seedling sale from the Soil Sisters, Just Harvest merch & exciting info about the 2025 Fresh Access Farmers Market Season! (link above) Stay tuned for our next Just Drinks event in August, where $1 from every beverage goes towards Just Harvests mission to end hunger. We can’t wait to see you there!
Events
Celebrate Ken’s Retirement with Us!
Join us on June 30th for a candid conversation with longtime Executive Director Ken Regal and Interim Executive Director Heather Seiders as they reflect on the rich history of our organization, Ken’s 40 years of anti-hunger work, and what the next chapter holds. We will have delicious bites, drinks, and time to chat and connect!
Where: St Paul of the Cross Monastery (148 Monastery Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15203)
When: June 30th, 2025 6 – 8:30 PM
Expand Food Bucks in PA!
We have exciting news to share! The Food Bucks bill passed the House 164-39! Join Just Harvest and the Food Trust on June 9th at 4 PM via zoom to learn more and discuss strategy as the bill moves to the Senate. The Food Bucks program will help connect more people to affordable nutritious food in both urban and rural communities, aid in the prevention of chronic disease, reduce healthcare costs, and increase revenue for farmers & retailers!
We’re Hiring!
Thank you for your continued support to Just Harvest’s mission to address the root causes of hunger. Sign up to our newsletter below!
