Dear friend,

Tiffany and Matthew Schuster are Lift UP’s dynamic duo. They’ve been volunteering for Lift UP for over a decade, sourcing food in conjunction with White Shield for Preston’s Pantry. They continued to stay involved after the White Shield program ended last year, quickly connecting Lift UP with a new community partner- Trader Joe’s in the Hollywood District.

Tiffany originally oversaw the Lift UP Community Garden back when we were still Northwest Portland Ministries, while simultaneously working in the community gardens at White Shield. When she realized both organizations could benefit from working together, she began bringing fresh produce that couldn’t be used at White Shield to Preston’s Pantry. When Matthew retired, they began working as a team. “We call it our micro-date. We love working together to improve our neighbors’ access to fresh and healthy foods.”

Program Manager Teresa has worked closely with Tiffany and Matthew and has this to say about the couple: "Tiffany and Matthew never miss an opportunity to serve our community. They are creative, adaptable, dedicated, and wonderful to work with."

While we now longer have a community garden, we’re grateful to still have Tiffany and Matthew on our volunteer team! Thank you for your continuous work building community and connecting our neighbors with nutrition!

Gratefully,

The Lift UP Team

Lift UP Supports Oregon Bill 555

In addition to addressing an immediate need for food access, the Lift UP team believes that advocating for systemic change is essential to achieve to our long-term vision of alleviating hunger. That is why this legislative session we are proud to support Bill 555, which invests in access to fresh fruits and vegetables buy doubling SNAP benefits at local Farmer's Markets. To learn more about this key program, visit Double Up Food Bucks Oregon.

Thank you to our Oregon legislators who have championed this initiative! We are grateful to see it moving forward.

Food brings us together.