Dear friend,

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we’re highlighting some of our volunteer crew over the next few weeks. Let’s get to know some of our volunteers together!

Meet the master juggler of our volunteer team, Gabriel. He joined Lift UP about 9 months ago, packing Delivered Food Boxes with our Warehouse Specialist, Ceci. Gabriel quickly moved on to gleaning from our community partners, Amazon and Trader Joe’s. When he saw the operation at Preston’s Pantry, he decided he would like to assist with distributing food to the community as well. He’s been involved in nearly every volunteer opportunity Lift UP has to offer!

Gabriel enjoys the challenge of sourcing healthy, nutritious foods and responding to the needs of the community. He understands that food access is also tied with emotional and health needs.

“I look forward to the variables each day brings. I love seeing the full cycle of the food I source and getting it into the hands of the shoppers at Preston’s Pantry.”

Gabriel’s background in hospitality, restaurants, and wineries made him the perfect fit to pilot a virtual version of Lift UP’s most popular program, Supper Club. In late March, Gabriel hosted our first online version of Supper Club with several residents at Northwest Tower, one of the many buildings that are part of the Adopt a Building program. The group made Eggplant Ratatouille, Polenta, and Chicken Paillards with Asparagus, Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs. “I find joy in cooking and feeding others, which is something I’ve missed this past year. Supper Club felt like hosting a dinner party. I am already looking forward to next time.”

Warehouse Specialist Ceci has this to say about Gabriel. “Whether he’s gleaning for Preston’s Pantry, teaching our neighbors how to make the perfect ratatouille during Supper Club, or creating food boxes for clients, Gabe’s willingness to offer help where help is needed encourages each of us get involved in our community.”

Gabriel understands that food justice is tied directly to equity. His dream is to start a nonprofit that balances ecology, serving meals, and education. We’re grateful to have him as part of the Lift UP team!

Gratefully,

The Lift UP Team

Lift UP is looking for a Gleaner!

Lift UP seeks a reliable and motivated Gleaner to assist with sourcing food for Lift UP’s programs. Primary duties include picking up thousands of pounds of food from community partners and transporting it to the Pantry, Warehouse, and partner housing agencies as needed. This position also regularly communicates with volunteers, community partners, and clients at pickup and drop off sites and provides warehouse support. This position ensures sufficient, high-quality food inventory is consistently available for Lift UP to distribute.

This is a part-time position. To learn more and to apply, check out our job posting here.

Food brings us together.