October News
The federal government has been shut down for 38 days, which is now the longest government shutdown in US history — and the Trump administration is choosing to allow our country to be devastated by hunger by unconsciously appealing a court order that required them to fully fund SNAP by today. Read our statements below.
Take Action
Keep Our Communities Fed
Right now is a critical time to volunteer at, donate to, or help connect others to local food resources. We must also call for immediate action from Congress to fully fund SNAP and end the government shutdown by passing a budget that protects healthcare.
Pass a PA Budget!
Without a PA budget, human services and basic needs providers are not receiving funding. Our most vulnerable neighbors are suffering as a result. PA must pass a responsible budget today to help our communities! #PABudgetNow
Send A Message to PA Leaders: Pass the PA Budget
Click here to find Your PA Legislator.
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Important Updates
Government Shutdown & SNAP Delay
November has begun, and the government is still shut down. After USDA received court orders to release contingency funds to cover the current lapse in SNAP benefits, eligible households will receive up to 65% of their current allotments for November – while some households may not receive any SNAP benefits for November at all. On Tuesday, Governor Josh Shapiro stated that it would take “well over a month” for benefits to reach families due to bureaucratic hurdles. Click below to view and share our community notice with further information and resources.
Stretch Your SNAP
The Food Trust is providing a dollar for dollar match for Food Bucks at select sites. Learn more here and find more healthy food resources from the Food Trust. On top of that, SNAP recipients can stretch their SNAP even further at remaining SNAP Match Fresh Access Markets for the 2025 season – thanks to the City of Pittsburgh's Food Justice Fund. Click below to find more information about remaining Fresh Access markets, and learn how far you can stretch your SNAP!
Changes to Benefits
Over the past few months, Just Harvest has been joining with partners around the state to inform our community about the ongoing changes to SNAP benefits that will harm families this fall. This month, work reporting requirements and harsh time limits expanded to include adults ages 18-54 in households without a child under 14, including veterans and youth aging out of foster care. Click below to find resources and learn more.
A Spark of Hope in Uncertain Times
Just Harvest recently participated in State Representative Emily Kinkead and State Senator Lindsey Williams’ annual Senior Resource Fair. Sarah Read, one of our team's amazing SNAP Specialists, reflected on her experience and the power of community during these uncertain times. Click to read a piece written by Sarah Read, MSW, LSW.
Recent & Upcoming Events
Just Art Was Incredible!
Over 100 artists, sponsors, partners and community members came together this year for another amazing JustART Show + Fundraiser, and helped us raise over $12,500 towards food justice efforts! The event was a great night to create connections and share conversations about the issues that matter most to our communities here in Pittsburgh.
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.
Now Hiring
Tax Return Reviewer
Help us provide free tax preparation to low-moderate income taxpayers who cannot afford to pay for tax assistance. Just Harvest is seeking skilled and committed professionals to review income tax returns completed by volunteers and staff at our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites.
Thank you for your continued support to Just Harvest’s mission to address the root causes of hunger.
