Dear friend,
At Lift UP, client voice truly matters. Over the last couple of months, we conducted surveys among community members who receive our services. Shoppers at Preston’s Pantry and recipients of Delivered Food Boxes are invited to provide feedback on their experiences with our programs. We created a survey that evaluates Lift UP on the variety and quality of the food we provide, whether clients feel respected and included by staff and volunteers, and if clients experience changes in their diet and overall health as a result of the food we provide. We also offered an opportunity to provide direct feedback on how we can improve. We translated the survey from English into Chinese, Spanish, and Russian to best connect with all our neighbors. For our Delivered Food Box recipients, we included a stamped return envelope to make it as easy as possible for them to respond.
The responses have been overwhelming! While we are still compiling data that will inform how we can increase our impact on the community and work more effectively at fighting hunger in Northwest and Downtown Portland, we wanted to share some of the comments we received. Below are some quotes that truly speak to the work we do and the impact Lift UP has made.
“I am very thankful for everything you send because if you didn't there would many days with no food. Having celiac and a restricted diet is extremely expensive and [I] can't afford most (90%) of the time. I feel very blessed you come every month and am very thankful.”
“I am able to maintain good health by eating well. I never eat junk food. Although I am a low-income person, I try to eat well. I am on no medications for any disorders, so I love the produce, dairy, eggs, meat, and natural foods.”
“I depend on you for nearly all the fruit and veggies I get, and your service comes with caring and even love, which we as a group and individually need as much as the fresh food.”
“Supper Club changed my life. My neighbors and I share what we get each week in our Delivered Food Boxes and sometimes trade. I am so thankful to be able to participate in this program, especially during the pandemic. Wonderful volunteers that were so brave and helping their community. Thank you all!”
These are just a handful of remarks we’ve gathered from the survey. Many more are arriving each day. We’re excited to learn more about how we can better meet the needs of the community and will share what we learn with our whole Lift UP community.
With your support, food continues to bring us together!
Gratefully,
Stephanie Barr, Executive Director
Making Connections 2021:
Moving from Scarcity to Abundance
Join us for Making Connections 2021
Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
This year’s virtual event will highlight Preston’s Pantry. Join us for an inside look at the abundance of Preston’s Pantry, a constant source of nutrition and hope over the past year. Event details and links to our exciting online auction and raffle will be posted soon!
Registration is free and all are welcome.
Food brings us together.
