November 5, 2025 Initiative to Connect Mothers in Need of Food Assistance with Groceries Brown Mamas and Healthy Start are launching a new initiative that will help to connect mothers and community members in need of food assistance with groceries. Learn More The two organizations are starting The Bridge Project in the wake of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) restrictions tightening and amid SNAP benefits not being paid out during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The project will be a grocery transportation network rooted in mutual aid to connect mothers and community members who need food assistance with others who can pick up, deliver, or help to distribute groceries across local neighborhoods. Organizations that are interested in working as partners should email Brown Mamas at hello@brownmamas.com. Mothers in need of help with groceries, volunteer drivers, those with groceries to share, or community organizations can sign up online to get or give help.
November 3, 2025 Partial SNAP Benefits to Be Paid in November A federal judge on Friday issued a order to ensure that 42 million Americans can continue to receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Learn More Under the order, the Trump administration is required to distribute contingency funds to continue food assistance while the case proceeds. The order follows a lawsuit filed by the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) with a coalition of charitable and faith-based organizations, small businesses, unions, and local governments as well as attorneys from Democracy Forward and the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island. The U.S. Department of Agriculture told a federal court on November 3 that it would use a contingency fund to allow states to issue partial benefits through SNAP during the government shutdown. No further information on how this was to be carried out in Pennsylvania was immediately available. While local nonprofit food banks and pantries are stepping up to fill gaps in their communities, many lack the resources or capacity to meet the overwhelming need. Residents in the Pittsburgh region who are in need of immediate food assistance can access the following resources: Call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 PA Navigate Feeding Pennsylvania Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh United Way helpline East End Cooperative Ministry Just Harvest Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc. Resources in neighboring counties include: Indiana County Community Action Agency pantry locations (Indiana) Westmoreland Food Bank (Westmoreland) Westmoreland County food assistance (Westmoreland) Food Helpers of Washington County (Washington) Families Matter Food Pantry (Beaver) Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank: Beaver Falls (Beaver) Butler County Food Cupboards (Butler) The Lighthouse Foundation (Butler) Lawrence County Assistance Office (Lawrence) Fayette County Community Action Agency pantry locations (Fayette) Corner Cupboard Foodbank (Greene) Armstrong County Community Action Agency pantry locations (Armstrong) Those seeking assistance while SNAP benefits are not being paid out should also view lists of Pittsburgh food resources and mutual aid distribution as well as learn about the Pittsburgh Police’s Thanksgiving dinner distribution.
October 20, 2025 SNAP Benefits Will Not Be Paid to Recipients in November Due to Federal Shutdown PA DHS announced that PA SNAP recipients will not receive benefits that were scheduled to be paid in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. As a result, more than 160,000 people in Allegheny County will not receive payments, of which more than 50,000 are children. Read more for county food agencies and resources. Learn More On its website, the state Department of Human Services (DHS) provided an update on October 17 that SNAP benefits cannot be paid in November as a result of the failure to pass a federal budget that caused the shutdown. Benefits will not be paid until the shutdown ends and funds are released to the state, according to the DHS. SNAP recipients will be notified when payments can resume. The department provided links to two resources for those in need of immediate food assistance – PA Navigate and Feeding Pennsylvania – or recommended calling 211. Those receiving SNAP benefits should continue to complete renewals and report changes to income, contact information, or the number of people living in the household. State offices and phone lines remain open and SNAP recipients can still visit and call state offices for help. Additionally, changes mandated by the federal government regarding SNAP benefits will also take effect on Monday, November 1. To keep or become eligible for benefits, people will have to meet work requirements that include working, volunteering, or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours per week and report to the DHS that they are meeting these work requirements. Residents in the Pittsburgh region who are in need of immediate food assistance can access the following resources: Call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 PA Navigate Feeding Pennsylvania Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh United Way helpline East End Cooperative Ministry Just Harvest Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc. Resources in neighboring counties include: Indiana County Community Action Agency pantry locations (Indiana) Westmoreland Food Bank (Westmoreland) Westmoreland County food assistance (Westmoreland) Food Helpers of Washington County (Washington) Families Matter Food Pantry (Beaver) Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank: Beaver Falls (Beaver) Butler County Food Cupboards (Butler) The Lighthouse Foundation (Butler) Lawrence County Assistance Office (Lawrence) Fayette County Community Action Agency pantry locations (Fayette) Corner Cupboard Foodbank (Greene) Armstrong County Community Action Agency pantry locations (Armstrong) Those seeking assistance while SNAP benefits are not being paid out should also view lists of Pittsburgh food resources and mutual aid distribution as well as learn about the Pittsburgh Police’s Thanksgiving dinner distribution.
August 27, 2025 Pittsburgh Residents Can Get 50% Discounts on PRT Options with ConnectCard Allegheny County residents can get a more than 50% discount on Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) options by applying for Allegheny Go’s ConnectCard. Learn More County residents can ride PRT’s buses, light rail, and other means of transportation for more than 50% off with the card. To qualify for the card, one must: Be an Allegheny County resident Be between the ages of 12 and 64 Have somebody in their household who currently receives SNAP benefits Those interested in applying for the ConnectCard can fill out an application online. On the application, choose the “Enroll using a ConnectCard” option. A 50% discount will be applied when fares are bought at ConnectCard machines throughout the service area, PRT Downtown Service Center, the ConnectCard online portal, and participating retail outlets, including most Giant Eagle and Goodwill locations. Allegheny Go can be downloaded to the Ready2Ride app on a mobile device. When applying online, select the “Enroll using the Ready2Ride app” on the application. For more information, visit the Allegheny Go website. Flyers for the ConnectCard are available in English and Spanish.
May 28, 2025 Summer Nutrition Programs Feed Children Out of School Caregivers can sign up for several summer nutrition programs that help keep children fed during the summer months when they are out of school. SUN Bucks Caregivers can sign up for the federal child nutrition program SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, which provides eligible children with an EBT card that can be used to purchase groceries. The program is run by Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, with support from the Department of Education. Children who are eligible and automatically signed up for SUN Bucks include: Children ages 6 to 18 who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or medical assistance with qualifying income during the school year or summer 2025. This includes home-schooled and cyber-schooled children. Children who attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and applies for free and reduced-price meals during the school year, receive SNAP, TANF, or medical assistance with qualifying income any time, or is directly certified for free school meals as a foster child, migrant, or someone experiencing homelessness Children who attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and whose families meet the income guidelines for SUN Bucks, but were not automatically enrolled in the program by being in one of the categories listed above, may be eligible. They would need to apply directly to SUN Bucks. The monthly household gross income limit for SUN Bucks is: $2,248 for a household of one $3,041 for a household of two $3,833 for a household of three $4,625 for a household of four $5,418 for a household of five +$8,732 for each additional family member The benefit amount for summer 2025 is currently not listed on the SUN Bucks website. Qualifying families who already receive SNAP benefits will see the benefit added to their card. For those who do not receive SNAP benefits, an EBT card will be mailed to them. Those interested in the program should make sure that their child’s school has a current mailing address. More information on how to activate the card, how to check its balance, or how it can be used to buy food is available online. Those interested in utilizing the program should fill out this application. Summer Youth Cafe The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s Summer Youth Cafe is a federally-funded child nutrition program that provides healthy meals while schools are on summer break. It opened for the season in May. Those interested in becoming a program site or sponsor should complete a partnership inquiry form. The cafes are open to anyone 18 years old and younger at no cost. Those interested should visit the cafe’s website and follow the instructions to find a local site. Summer Meal Site Finder The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder provides a directory by state of places where families can find meal service options for children. Currently, Pennsylvania is not listed among the states, but the site is regularly updated. Carnegie Library Summer Meals The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is participating in the 2025 Summer Food Service Provide to ensure Pittsburgh youth have access to free food during summer vacation. Unless otherwise noted, the library locations listed below offer meals or snacks from Monday, June 16 through Friday, August 15. Allegheny (12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.) Beechview (2 p.m. – 3 p.m.) Brookline (12 p.m. – 1 p.m., 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.) Downtown (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.) Hazelwood (3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.) Hill District (12 p.m. – 1 p.m., 4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.) Homewood (1 p.m. – 2 p.m.) Knoxville (Through Thursday, August 14; 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.) Main (Oakland) (Tuesday, June 17 through Thursday, August 7; 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.) South Side (11 a.m. – 12 p.m., 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.) Woods Run (12 p.m. – 1 p.m., 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
May 7, 2025 Pittsburgh Farmers Markets to Open for the Season in May and June The CitiParks Farmers Markets will return to various locations in Pittsburgh starting next week. The four markets will open either in May or June and run through November or December. Learn More Shoppers who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be able to get fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown food at the markets. Products include produce, meat, dairy, bread and baked goods, produce plants, seeds, and honey. Hot prepared food items, alcohol, and non-food items are not eligible for SNAP purchases. Food Bucks gives Fresh Access food stamp shoppers extra money to spend on fruits and vegetables. For every $5 spent in food stamps, shoppers will receive an extra $2 to spend on produce. For the 2025 season, Just Harvest will add another $3 to this as a result of a grant from the Food Justice Fund that will double SNAP benefits at all CitiParks markets. The markets – which are operated by the city’s Department of Parks & Recreation (CitiParks) – will offer expanded vendor selections, revamped layouts, and new community programming aimed at making visits more engaging and accessible. The Squirrel Hill Market opens with a special market on Sunday, May 11 to celebrate Mother’s Day. There will be a Beer Garden at the Northside Market on the last Friday of every month that will include musical entertainment. Special programming and theme weeks with community partners will be featured at the markets beginning in June. The four markets include: Squirrel Hill (Beacon/Bartlett parking lot): Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May 11 to Dec. 21 East End (Liberty Green Park, Larimer Avenue): Mondays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. from June 2 to Nov. 17 Carrick (Carrick Dairy District, 1529 Brownsville Road): Wednesdays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. from June 4 to Nov. 19 North Side (Allegheny Commons Park, East Ohio & Cedar): Fridays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. from May 16 to Nov. 21 “We’re thrilled about this year’s farmers markets and the continued investment in our city’s local economy,” CitiParks Director Kathryn Vargas said. “Our goal is to support the growth of small, sustainable businesses while creating an experience that every Pittsburgher will be excited to be part of.”
May 5, 2025 SNAP Benefits Can Be Used to Replace Food Lost During Power Outages Pittsburgh residents who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can use their benefits to replace the food they lost during recent power outages that swept through the region. Learn More SNAP users can get replacement benefits within 10 days of when the outage occurred. Replacement benefits can be used to replace the amount of food lost – up to one month’s benefits. To get replacement benefits: Contact your local county assistance office or the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930. Complete the replacement affidavit form saying how much food was lost Forms are available online. Upload the completed affidavit form to COMPASS or the My COMPASS PA mobile app. For more information, visit the SNAP website.
February 17, 2025 Just Harvest: SNAP Users Should Be Proactive in Protecting Benefits from Scams Just Harvest – an Allegheny County organization that addresses economic injustice through a focus on public policy and food access – is encouraging residents who use SNAP to be proactive in protecting their benefits. Learn More The organization pointed out that Congress has failed to extend a provision that protects SNAP users from skimming, during which SNAP benefits are stolen off EBT cards at point-of-sale machines. As a result, any SNAP benefits stolen will no longer be replaced. Those whose benefits have been stolen should report the theft to their local County Assistance Office and request a new EBT card. Once they have obtained a new EBT card, they should routinely change their PIN number. DHS Text Alert Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services has announced plans for an upcoming text alert that warns residents of recent nationwide increases of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud. The department said the text alert would warn residents about incidents of card skimming. The text will come from the number 833-648-1964. The department also warns that DHS text messages would never include: Details about a person’s benefits, such as the amount of SNAP they are authorized to receive A request for personal information Links to unofficial sites; most texts will direct people to dhs.pa.gov, COMPASS, or a site that ends in .gov or .org.
February 11, 2025 Just Harvest Helps with SNAP, Tax Prep, and Other Services Just Harvest helps those struggling with food security in Allegheny County as well as other free services. The organization aims to reduce hunger by boosting income and access to healthy food. Services Just Harvest offers a variety of services, including: SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a public benefit that can supplement a food budget. Just Harvest helps eligible families to apply for these benefits. Benefits case advocacy: Just Harvest helps those having trouble applying for or receiving food stamps, LIHEAP, or cash assistance (TANF) through the state’s Department of Human Services. Tax help: Just Harvest provides free IRS-certified tax preparation assistance to low-income families in Allegheny County. Fresh access: Just Harvest operates a kiosk at 20 area farmers markets and farm stands in the Pittsburgh area from May to November. Customers can shop with food stamps using their ACCESS/EBT card to purchase fresh produce, baked goods, meat, and dairy products. Fresh Corners: This healthy corner store initiative partners with local store owners in parts of Allegheny County that lack supermarkets. It provides affordable access to fresh, nutritious foods. More information on the services that Just Harvest provides can be found on this flier. For information on 2025 SNAP discounts, view this flier. And for general 2025 SNAP information, check out this flier.
January 14, 2025 Connect Cards Aim to Make Allegheny Go Enrollment Easier Enrolling in Allegheny Go, the mass transit discount program for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) users, will soon become easier. Learn More On February 1, the process for enrollment in the 50% discount program will become smoother through the use of new Connect Cards. The card is a reusable plastic smart card that makes paying fares faster, easier, and more secure than paying with cash. The cards are being reintroduced to combat barriers that Allegheny Go participants face when enrolling through the required Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s (PRT) Ready2Ride smart phone app. A number of groups – including Just Harvest, Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Equitable and Just Greater Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council – advocated for the return of the cards. About Allegheny Go Those receiving SNAP benefits can get 50% off transit fares for buses, light rail, and other PRT services through Allegheny Go. To qualify, one must: Reside in Allegheny County Be between the ages of 12 and 64 Have been receiving SNAP benefits for at least three months; this can also include family members receiving the benefits Have a mobile device and are able to access the Ready2Ride app To sign up for Allegheny Go, users must download the app, apply for it, and then buy fares. More information on the program is available on the Allegheny Go website.
