Dear friend,

May is American Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. We here at Lift UP embrace our AAPI community and strive to make changes that support and empower our Asian and Pacific Islander neighbors and clients.

Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began, Lift UP allocated funds to purchase foods that best serve the AAPI community, such as fish, tofu, and bok choy. We distribute these items to shoppers at Preston’s Pantry and through our partner program with Oregon Food Bank, Free Food Market.

Because of the large number of Asian community members who access our resources (30% of Preston’s Pantry shoppers and the majority of shoppers at Free Food Market), Lift UP offers translated information and frequently has an interpreter during operation hours to strengthen communication as much as possible. Beginning this month we are distributing a feedback survey in multiple languages to ensure everyone’s voices are heard. Input from the people we serve will be used to make changes to our programs and ensure we are making the greatest possible impact on our community.

We’ve also partnered with Portland Fruit Tree Project to distribute locally grown fruit through our programs. We were fortunate enough to receive an ample amount of persimmons earlier this year. This fruit is abundant in China and represents good luck in Chinese culture. They were a huge hit among shoppers!

Ways to support the AAPI Community:

Powell’s Books has created a reading list of works by Asian American authors. Click here to learn more.

We all know Portland has a robust food scene, and what better way to support local, Asian-owned restaurants than to enjoy an amazing meal! For a list of restaurants, click here.

Lan Su Chinese Garden has cultivated a list of local nonprofit organizations currently accepting donations here.

The Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) has scheduled a variety of informational events focused on Anti-Racism and Support for the Portland community. To see a full schedule of events, click here.

Support the new Asian Food Pantry in Downtown Portland. A collaboration among St. Stephen's (Clay Street Table), The Giving Tree, and Asian Health and Services Center, the Asian Food Pantry provides access to foods that provide comfort and familiarity to the elderly Asian population in Portland. For information on how to support this new organization, visit this link.

Hollaback! is offering Bystander Intervention Training to allies of the AAPI community. The training is free for all to attend, and there are a variety of times and dates available here.

Lift UP stands in solidarity with our AAPI community and organizations like APANO that bring to life the just, holistic, equitable, and empowering world we want to inhabit.

Gratefully,

Brett Williams
Community Engagement Manager

Food brings us together.