May News
We always look forward to this time of year. The weather has warmed up in perfect time for the kick off of Fresh Access farmers market season! Continue reading to find other important updates and opportunities below. But first, I wanted to share with you our mid-year goal to raise $10,000 by August 31 to fuel new strategies and longstanding efforts to advance food access for everyone in our community. If you're able to give, every contribution makes a difference. Thank you, as always, for your generous support.
Take Action
Be the first to know how to get involved to advocate against hunger in your community!
Protect SNAP in the Farm Bill
The House recently passed the Farm Bill – which fails to reverse the deeply damaging $187 billion in SNAP cuts from H.R.1. The Senate must prioritize legislation that protects families struggling to keep food on the table. An investment in the SNAP program is an investment in the wellbeing of millions of Americans. Use the tool to the right from FRAC to send a message to your Senators.
Support Paid Parental Leave in Allegheny County
Allegheny County Health Department has proposed Paid Parental Leave (Article XXIV) – which would require a minimum of 18 weeks leave to parents who have been employees for at least 30 days. A public comment period is now open. Take this opportunity to voice your support by submitting a comment by 11:59 PM on June 16th, or join the upcoming hearing on June 2nd (Register here to speak).
Important Updates
Farmers Market Season Begins!
Fresh Access farmers markets are here! Head to a market and utilize SNAP, credit or debit to buy fresh, nutritious and locally produced 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 return of dollar-for-dollar SNAP match returning to farmers markets within city limits while funding lasts – thanks to the City of Pittsburgh's Food Justice Fund!
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The 2026 SFMNP (Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program) vouchers provide $25 to eligible seniors to use at local farmers markets. Voucher distribution will begin on June 1, 2026. Residents have until September 15 to apply and must utilize the new 2026 application in order to be considered for the voucher program. Learn more about SFMNP and eligibility here.
Thank You Tax Volunteers!
Thanks 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.
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 to help identify whether you should be exempt from the SNAP work requirements. Have you been impacted by SNAP changes?
Food Justice Fund Grant Applications Open
2026 Food Justice Fund applications are open! The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM Tuesday, June 30th, 2026. The City of Pittsburgh’s Food Justice Fund offers grassroots grants up to $25k for distributing free food, improving community farms/gardens, offering education about food or nutrition, or a combination of these services. Mini-grants up to $3,000 are also available for community gardens. Requirements have changed since last year’s applications in 2025.
Recent & Upcoming Events
Just Drinks
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Just Drinks this month, and for all your donations to our food drive for Casa San Jose! We will be back for another fun evening on June 18th 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
“3 CitiParks farmers markets kick off for season in May”
“CitiParks hosts three weekly farmers markets from May to November, offering residents opportunities to shop for fresh, local foods in their own neighborhoods… All of the markets accept SNAP benefits, debit and credit cards through the Fresh Access program from Just Harvest.”
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.
