December News
Thank you for your incredible support this year. As we close out 2025, we are beyond grateful to share the impact you helped make possible. Although this year we faced new challenges and times of uncertainty, we know our community will continue to stand strong for one another. In 2026, we will further strengthen our collective work to shape the Pittsburgh – and the nation – we all need, and deserve.
Help us raise $20,000 by the end of December to fuel our work against hunger in 2026!
Take Action
Be the first to know how to get involved to advocate against hunger in your community!
Important Updates
Changes to Benefits
Earlier this year, Congress passed a budget bill that includes changes to SNAP – including work requirements that some recipients must meet to maintain benefits. If SNAP recipients do not meet these requirements, they will be limited to three months of SNAP benefits for a three year period. Use this screener from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia or visit dhs.pa.gov/work to help identify whether you should be exempt from the SNAP work requirements.
Food Bucks Win in PA Budget
For the first time, Food Bucks have been included in Pennsylvania's 2025-26 budget! With the great efforts of the Food Bucks coalition, more Pennsylvanians who receive SNAP benefits will have greater access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. The funding includes $2 million for the expansion of nutrition incentives. Learn more about the Food Bucks program run by The Food Trust and implemented at Fresh Access Farmers Markets where SNAP shoppers can get an extra $2 to spend on fruits and veggies for every $5 they spend.
SUN Bucks Survey
PA families, we want your feedback on SUN Bucks to share with program administrators and other decision makers. SUN Bucks is a permanent Summer EBT program to provide food to families while school is out. We know how important it is for food assistance to be timely and dependable. This survey will address the SUN Bucks and SNAP delays.
If you need help with your benefits call 1-877-395-8930 (or call 1-215-560-7226 if you are in Philadelphia).
Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
We are thrilled that Pennsylvania has included the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit in the 2025-26 budget. This policy that we have been advocating since 2007 will make a meaningful impact for Pennsylvanians during these challenging times. Our Free Tax Prep Coalition Director, Kristie Weiland-Stagno commented: “This targeted credit will reduce the tax burden on working Pennsylvanians, some of whom pay Pennsylvania income taxes while living below the poverty level.”
Winter Farmers Market
While the regular Fresh Access season has wrapped, there is still one farmers market open this winter! Stop by 5050 Liberty Avenue from 11AM - 2PM on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays December through March to find an amazing array of winter produce and goods at the Bloomfield Winter Market. Our Fresh Access program enables SNAP shoppers to use their benefits to buy fresh and nutritious food at local farmers markets here in Pittsburgh.
Recent & Upcoming Events
Save the Date for Empty Bowls!
Friends and neighbors, join us again in March 2026 at Rodef Shalom Congregation for a friendly, informal meal of local chef-created soups, tasty breads and treats. All proceeds will benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest. Interested in donating bowls and/or other artwork? Click here!
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!
Volunteers Needed
Volunteer with our Free Tax Prep Coalition
No experience needed! Become a volunteer tax preparer or greeter to help out the community during one of the most stressful times of year. We offer free training for preparers, which provides a great way to learn more about personal accounting.
In the News
Pittsburgh residents speak out ahead of potential vote to increase taxes
“Without the proposed funding in this year’s budget for the Food Justice Fund, this one won’t be able to continue supporting into some of our measures when we really need them the most,” said Dan McCarthy, from Just Harvest. The city’s Food Justice Fund was established two years ago, and has supported numerous organizations and programs addressing food insecurity and apartheid across Pittsburgh.
Thank you for your continued support to Just Harvest’s mission to address the root causes of hunger.
