The purpose of the Food Justice Fund (FJF) is to increase public investment in a just, equitable, and sustainable food system that supports Pittsburgh neighborhoods, our local economy, and the environment.

The FJF was established by City Council in July 2023 in response to community advocates with the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council organizing to build food sovereignty and end food apartheid in their neighborhoods.

The FJF aims to support grassroot creative efforts by increasing opportunities to grow, learn about, and eat healthy, affordable, and culturally-relevant foods. Funding selections will prioritize projects serving City of Pittsburgh communities of higher need, with strong connections to the communities they serve. Primary funding for the FJF came from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

What should the City prioritize in the next round of FJF Grassroots Grants? Tell us what matters in this community input survey by March 29th, 2026.

Get ready to apply for Food Justice Fund Grassroots Grants in 2026! The City expects to open grant applications in May, exact date TBD. Sign up for email alerts on this page to receive announcements. You can also fill out the community input survey at the top of this page until March 29th.

Here is some general info to help you think ahead:

• Additional restrictions and requirements will be announced soon. All program info will be posted on this page, including eligibility guidelines, criteria, and the online application.
• Projects must benefit the public and support food security or the food system – such as distributing free food or improving community gardens. Specific eligible purposes will be announced.
• The City expects to select awardees in Fall 2026 with projects starting in January 2027. Applicants must be a 501(c)3 or represented by a fiscal sponsor. Applicants represented by a fiscal sponsor must include a signed fiscal sponsorship agreement with their application. Applicants will need to find their own fiscal sponsor independently – the City does not provide fiscal sponsorship.
• This program cannot provide direct financial assistance to for-profit businesses. Applicants are encouraged to source goods and services from local businesses in the food economy.
• Applicants must be located in Pittsburgh city limits. Organizations providing fiscal sponsorship may be located anywhere in Allegheny County, but the applicants themselves must reside or be located within city limits. Project activities must be located within city limits.
• Urban-agriculture projects will need to include written permission from the landowner with their application. Projects located on city-owned property will still need to obtain approval from the relevant City department by the time of application. Projects on Adopt-A-Lot sites will need their lease to be up to date by the grant application deadline. Applicants renewing their Adopt-A-Lot leases or applying for a new Adopt-A-Lot lease will need to submit their leasing documents to City Planning at least one month prior to the grant application deadline. Contact oss@pittsburghpa.gov for questions about Adopt-A-Lot leases and approved activities.
• Your project should be something you’re confident you can accomplish if awarded grant funding. Other resources needed in addition to FJF grant funding, such as partnerships or access to facilities, should already be confirmed by the time you apply.
• FJF grant funds cannot be used to purchase land, real-estate, or vehicles.

We welcome your questions. You can fill out the community input survey by March 29th, submit questions using the FAQ form on this page anytime, or email Gabbi.mcmorland@pittsburghpa.gov.

Phase two funding of the Food Justice Fund prioritized grassroots organizations. A total of $1.5 million in grant awards were distributed to a total of 30 local food justice nonprofit organizations that serve Pittsburgh residents.

Phase two projects must provide one or more of the following services:

• Distributing free food/meals
• Supporting community gardens and non-profit urban agriculture
• Enrolling residents in public benefits (Ex. SNAP, WIC, Allegheny Go)
• Operating farmers markets (indoors or outdoors) or farm stands
• Offering educational programming about growing, cooking, or preserving food, nutrition, healthy living, or composting
• Addressing issues in food waste through composting or other environmental efforts
• Job training or youth employment in fields related to the food system

For a full list of phase two grant recipients along with a brief project description for each awardee, visit the "document library" section on this page.

Phase one funding of the Food Justice Fund focused on large-scale investments in the Pittsburgh food system. The city awarded a total of $1.1 million in late 2024 after an extensive RFP process.

Phase one grant recipients along with their outlined deliverables include:

• Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will distribute food to small food pantries across the city.
• Grow Pittsburgh will strengthen urban agriculture around the city, including urban farms and produce distributions, a farmers market, support for dozens of community gardens, and collaborations with Freeman Family Farm and Greenhouse, Mwanakuche Farm, Oasis Farm and Fishery, Operation Better Block, and Sankofa Village Community Garden,
• Just Harvest will enhance their Food Bucks program at city-run farmers markets, doubling the purchasing power of shoppers using SNAP (food stamps) while also supporting local growers.
• Jasmine Nyree Homes will start a daily meal program for seniors, children, and people with disabilities at their campus in the West End neighborhood of Sheraden.