Increased Need at the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
Act now! You can support the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry during our Spring Appeal. With the cost of living rising and unexpected expenses hitting our neighbors, more families are finding it harder to make ends meet each day. In the past year, the number of neighbors who rely on the food pantry each month has doubled. Your support can make a real, immediate impact on those in our community who need it most.
Jesse Sharrard, Director of the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry elaborates, “We are committed to providing food to everyone who comes to us in need. But as the need rises, so does the cost of meeting that promise. We spend more than $30,000 every month bringing in the more than 30,000 pounds that the families we serve rely on, and we anticipate that figure will rise in the months to come.”
Help us meet this increased community need. Together, we can help more neighbors get back on their feet. Will you give back and support the food pantry?
Additionally, the USDA cut over $1 million of funding to the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative program that allowed food banks and food pantries, like the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, to purchase produce and dairy from local farmers, further straining local economies.
To learn more about the impact this federal funding cut will have on the community read the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle’s article by clicking here.
Speak Up! You can make a difference by contacting your representatives and urge them to prioritize the continuation of funding for this essential program. Find your congressperson at the link below.
JFCS Advocates for an Accessible Public Transit System
This week members of our Refugee and Immigrant Services and Youth Services attended Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s public hearing to display the impact that funding cuts and reduced bus routes would have on the people we serve and the community. The photo above pictures a powerful moment when our staff spoke and stood up during the event to show the hundreds of immigrants from dozens of zip codes who would be impacted by the reduction in service.
Ivonne Smith-Tapia, Director of JFCS Refugee and Immigrant Services said, “Public transit drives economic mobility for residents. Investing in more efficient transportation systems means investing in people’s well-being and stability. Immigrants are key drivers of Pittsburgh’s economy. They help counteract the population loss the city faces year after year—but without public transportation, many immigrants would be forced to leave the region.
It is neither environmentally sustainable nor financially realistic to expect every household to purchase a car in order to make Pittsburgh their home. We hope PRT continues its important efforts to rethink transit routes and make the system more efficient and accessible for all of us.”
You can make your voice heard! Learn more about the Pittsburgh Regional Transit funding cuts and let them know how these changes will affect you!
Volunteers In Action: You Can Help Make a Difference!
Last week, our volunteers were invited to discuss and advocate for the important issues impacting our region. Our dedicated volunteers work hard to create positive change in our community. Volunteers are an essential part of JFCS and we could not fulfill our mission without them.
Do you want to get involved and make a difference?
JFCS Youth Services is looking for summer volunteers for the Bridge Builders program. Bridge Builders summer programs help young people with literacy building activities, conversational English, reading, and more. If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of our youth, learn more and contact us at the link below.
Events & Opportunities
Don’t Miss Out! Join Us for the 2025 Annual Meeting
Join us for an evening of reflection on the past, engagement with the present, and hope for the future. We look forward to seeing you on May 14th.
Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community – Hope Rises with Every Step
For the second year in a row, team JFCS is participating in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community! This event is a powerful movement uniting individuals and organizations in the pursuit of a brighter future. Walk with the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry on June 14, 2025 or support us now by donating. 100% of funds raised will go to purchasing food to stock the pantry!
From Stigma to Strength: Understanding Mental Health History and Managing Anxiety in Uncertain Times
This Alex Seed Memorial Lecture explores the evolution of mental health understanding and provides practical tools for today’s challenges. The lecture is taking place virtually on Wednesday, June 18 and is free to participate.
Supported in part by the Alex Seed Mental Health Fund and Rodef Shalom Congregation.
You’re Invited: Opioid Awareness Workshop – Save a Life, Save the World
Every day, nearly 15 Pennsylvanians lose their lives to drug overdose. This is more than a crisis—it’s a call to action. Join the Center for Loving Kindness and community leaders, like JFCS, for a powerful, practical morning that could help save lives in your community. This event takes place on Thursday, June 5 from 8:00–10:00 AM at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, 9th Floor Auditorium, Union Trust Building, 501 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219)
Get the support you need today
JFCS is here to support you through life’s changes and challenges. Whether you’re interested in art therapy, grief support, or career help, we’ve got something for you.
Check out all our events at the link below!
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