The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s board of directors has approved $37,500 in additional one-time grants to help three local human service agencies meet rising demand for essential services following the recent government shutdown and changes to SNAP benefits. The Planning and Impact Leadership Committee recommended the grants to meet current circumstances.

These grants reflect the Federation’s commitment to building a flourishing Jewish community where everyone feels included, supported and inspired, especially when financial pressures create new or growing needs.

The grants include:

• $15,000 to Jewish Family and Community Services Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
• $15,000 to the Jewish Community Center
• $7,500 to the Jewish Assistance Fund

Jewish Family and Community Services Squirrel Hill Food Pantry has been serving more clients than ever. This follows a separate $10,000 emergency grant made on November 7 to help procure kosher food.

Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh continues to experience a sharp rise in participation in its J Café meal program for older adults across two locations. A change in county reimbursement has contributed to a significant deficit for congregate meals, and the 2026 contract covers even less than the prior year.

Jewish Assistance Fund is seeing increased requests from clients who are juggling urgent expenses made harder by the temporary pause in SNAP benefits.

“We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh for their timely, unbudgeted support at a moment when the basic needs of our most vulnerable older adults are increasingly difficult to meet,” said Jason Kunzman, president and CEO of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. “The Federation’s responsiveness and commitment to addressing critical issues such as food insecurity will make an immediate, meaningful impact on our community.”

Judith Kanal, vice chair of the Federation’s Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of acting quickly to support partners on the front lines. “Our agencies are doing extraordinary work under tremendous pressure,” she said. “These grants reflect our shared values and our responsibility to care for one another. We are proud to stand with our agencies as they help people who are struggling right now.”

The Federation will continue monitoring community needs and stands ready to direct additional resources as required.