Last week, Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his proposal for Pennsylvanians 2026-2027 budget. We thank Governor Shapiro for raising important issues like a needed increase to our minimum wage, investments in transit and training programs, and tax credits that help provide economic support to families. However, we must also recognize the issues that fell short in this proposal – and require continued advocacy. Pennsylvanians deserve a budget that does not just fill the gaps, but invests in long-term stability and the urgent needs of everyday people.

Join FRAC’s #WhyILoveSNAP week of action and urge Congress to repeal harmful SNAP cuts. In Pennsylvania, 1 in 6 people use SNAP to keep food on the table every month (PA DHS). Last year, Congress passed the H.R.1 bill which includes devastating cuts to this program that so many families rely on throughout Pennsylvania.

Read our January newsletter to find updates and important information from Just Harvest. As we gear up for the new year and celebrate the kickoff of another tax season, I want to start by saying thank you. Supporters like you continue to show up in times of need, and we can’t express our gratitude enough.

On Tuesday, Jan 27th, we flooded the Governor’s Office with phone calls about preventing SNAP theft. Keep the energy going! The best time to call is during the work day, from 9am - 5pm. Share your message with a staff member, or leave a message. Every call counts!

January 15th is the National #StopThatSNAPShift Day of action. Take action and send a letter to Congress urging them to repeal harmful SNAP cuts and repeal the disastrous administrative and benefit cost shift to states. 

Read our December newsletter to find updates and important information from Just Harvest. In 2026, we will further strengthen our collective work to shape the Pittsburgh – and the nation – we all need, and deserve. Join us to see how you can get involved today to take action against hunger.

Just Harvest submitted comments opposing the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed changes to the “public charge” rule. Based on our daily work with families across Allegheny County and throughout Pennsylvania, we know this proposal would increase hunger, confusion, and economic instability in our communities.

The Department of Homeland Security released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) last week proposing to change public charge rules. The proposal will cause even more harm, confusion, and fear in our community.

Read our November newsletter to find updates and important information from Just Harvest. Approximately 2 million people rely on SNAP in Pennsylvania to keep food on the table – including about 1 in 8 people here in the Pittsburgh region. Your support is needed more than ever.

On September 25, 2025, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service published a proposed rule that would radically change the staple foods that stores are required to stock in order to participate in SNAP. This rule will make it extremely difficult for small retailers to meet the expanded stocking requirements, which could force small retailers to lose their SNAP license and reduce community food access across the county. 

SNAP, the lifeline supporting more than 1.9 million Pennsylvanians, is being paused in Pennsylvania. If Congress fails to act, low-income households will not receive November SNAP payments.

Congress is recklessly treating our most essential food and healthcare programs as political leverage – all the while, dehumanizing our undocumented neighbors – and denying our most vulnerable people from critical assistance.