Food, Transportation and Other Essentials

Start with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

• This tool can help you figure out which food resources are best for you, whether its weekly free groceries or monthly free boxes for seniors.
• See dates of upcoming drive-up and walk-in food distributions here.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Apply for SNAP today through the PA Department of Human Services:

• Apply online
• Fill out and submit a paper application in person at a county assistance office.
  • Application for cash assistance, SNAP, and Medical Assistance benefits (English)
  • Solicitud para recibir beneficios (Espanol)

If you qualify for SNAP, you also qualify to receive 50% off transit fares with PRT. Apply here.

Avoid Losing SNAP Benefits

As of September 1, 2025, most adults on SNAP are now required to either work at least 20 hours/week or qualify for an exemption. People who do not appropriately document that they meet these conditions can only receive 3 months of benefits over a 3-year period – meaning, benefits will run out in December 2025. Additional details about who needs to take action, and when, can be found on the PA DHS website.

Who should take action:

For those who Need to Take Action, please complete the following steps, or visit a community organization for additional help.

1. Complete the PA DHS Screening Form Checklist (mailed to you by PA DHS; also can be found here)
2. Gather verification documentation:
   1. If health limits work: have a doctor or therapist sign the Medical Exemption Form
   2. If other exemption: indicate on screening form; no additional form needed
   3. If working: obtain a copy of recent paystubs
   4. If none of above: talk to SNAP caseworker about volunteer/training opportunities
3. Return the Screening Form and proof to a local County Assistance Office. (Please note: the CAO is operated at the state level by the PA Department of Human Services.)
   Important notes: 

• • • The best way to do this is through the myCOMPASS PA app
    • Include the case number if returning in person, by mail, or by fax
    • Ensure your address is updated on COMPASS (or call a CAO to update it) in case the state requests documentation from you to prove your exemption.

To help navigate these steps, visit one of the following locations or contact Just Harvest at 412-431-8960 (option 3). You will need to leave a message, and your call will be returned.

If you are a partner hoping to spread the word, you can find an Action Toolkit here.

Download Allegheny County Public Partner locations.

Start with Hello Baby

• Get food or formula
• Find free or reduced cost diapers, car seats and more

If you are pregnant or have a young child, you may quality for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program. Fill out this short form or call 412-350-5801. Learn more about getting started with WIC.

Start with the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)

If you live in Allegheny County and are receiving Medicaid, you may be eligible for free public transportation (bus, subway, incline) ahead of time tickets, or reimbursement for your use of public transportation/private vehicle, or free door-to-door service when medically necessary via a shared ride.

MATP is required by law to provide the least costly, most appropriate transportation service available.

• Call 1-888-547-MATP (6287) Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or
• Fill out the application (MATP application for adults) (MATP application for anyone younger than 18) sign it and email to: MATP@alleghenycounty.us. You can also drop it off at the Human Services Building at One Smithfield Street on the 1st floor.