Back to Basic Needs

Food Access

We seek to support programs and services that assist low-income individuals and families to obtain enough food.
See Past Grantees Since 2023
Janet Ward tends to a garden bed in the BTC Center's community garden in Homewood. BTC Center helps build the community by addressing food insecurity, public health and safety issues that are the result of health and social disparities, and other needs of disadvantaged communities.
Janet Ward tends to a garden bed in the BTC Center's community garden in Homewood. BTC Center helps build the community by addressing food insecurity, public health and safety issues that are the result of health and social disparities, and other needs of disadvantaged communities.

In Allegheny County, nearly 11% of the residents do not have consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. To address this critical issue, we seek to support programs and services that assist low-income individuals and families to obtain enough food--especially healthy, culturally-appropriate food--to meet the nutritional needs of all members of their household. 

Specifically, we are interested in supporting the following toward addressing food insecurity:

  • Neighborhood-based food banks and food pantries. 
  • Meal delivery programs.
  • Farmer’s markets.
  • Summer, weekend and after-school meal programs.
  • Programs that assist eligible families with applying for benefit programs that provide access to food, such as SNAP and WIC.
  • Community gardens and farms. [Contact Mary Kate Ranii - see below]

Note: While we recognize the importance of nutrition education programs, we only currently accept applications that include the provision of food.

Application Deadlines

Foundation-Directed GrantsApplication Deadlines*
Spring grant cycleMonday, Feb. 3, 2025 by 5 p.m.
(for funding decision after May 9)
Fall grant cycleTuesday, July 15, 2025 by 5 p.m.
(for funding decisions after Oct. 29)

*Dates above apply to most grant programs. If dates differ, they will be listed on the program page. Dates may be subject to change. The Foundation may adjust the timing of grants in consideration for funding.

Grant Guidelines

See eligibility criteria, our funding priorities, grant types, duration and award amount ranges.

How to Apply for Grants

Learn how to apply for funding through the Foundation's online grant application portal.
Sarah Byrne-Houser
Contact

Sarah Byrne-Houser

Program Officer, Healthy Children and Adults
412-391-5155
Mary Kate Ranii
Contact

Mary Kate Ranii

Program Officer, Environment and Community Health

More Grantmaking Supporting Basic Needs

The Pittsburgh Foundation also offers the following funding opportunities to eligible applicants.

Child Care

We seek to ensure equitable access to quality child care.

Education

We strive to ensure access to high-quality in-class education as well as culturally-responsive, out-of-school time programs.

Mental Health

We aim to support the mental and physical health needs of residents by ensuring access to quality, affordable and culturally responsive services.

Physical Health

We aim to support the mental and physical health needs of residents by ensuring access to quality, affordable and culturally responsive services.

Housing

We seek to support or fill gaps in a county-wide eviction prevention system, and help support those living in transitional housing and/or facing unexpected loss of housing.

Employment

We seek to support youth and adults who experience significant barriers to employment.