Dear friend,
In May I celebrated my one-year anniversary with Lift UP. In addition to feeling immense pride and gratitude for the impact we have made during a critical time, I feel transformed by my experiences with Lift UP. Reflecting back on the past year, I am struck by the ways my perspective on the city of Portland has changed.
Delivering Lift UP food to affordable housing buildings throughout our service area has been a notable experience of wealth disparity, community, and resilience. Many the buildings we serve are indiscernible as low-income housing, nestled in relatively high-income neighborhoods with attractive fronts and welcoming lobbies while others more visibly lack resources, with residents who see me entering with food immediately asking how they can sign up for our services. Regardless of the building, wearing my Lift UP T-shirt is an invitation for conversation, with residents regularly offering to help carry food, mentioning favorite items or recipes, or curious to learn more about our programs. Now, when I walk around town, the buildings we serve stand out instead of blending into the city landscape.
So, too, do the various businesses and congregations that support our Adopt a Building Program, enabling Lift UP to feed our Portland neighbors. The connections among our neighbors are tangible, and I feel more interconnected with my hometown. As we slowly emerge from the trauma of the pandemic, my deepest hope is to continue to strengthen these connections in the year ahead. With 1 in 5 Oregonians experiencing hunger, it will take all of us working together to ensure access to fresh, nutritious food for all.
Lift UP recently asked our Delivered Food Box clients for feedback on our program, and we learned that nearly half of our clients rely on Lift UP to provide 40% or more of their monthly food. Consistently, our clients shared that they eat more fruits and vegetables because of Lift UP, and most clients reported improvements in their overall health as a result. One resident shared, “I am very thankful for everything you send because if you didn't there would many days with no food. Having a restricted diet is extremely expensive, and I feel very blessed you come every month.” Another person told us, “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.”
Working in the nonprofit sector since moving to Portland 15 years ago, I have long been aware of the needs and services here. Joining Lift UP has created new connections with the city I call home, all of which have deepened my appreciation of the Portland community. Thank you to the Lift UP staff, board, volunteers, and donors for coming together to reduce hunger and build community.
Together, we are making a difference!
Gratefully,
Stephanie Barr, Executive Director
P.S. A special thanks to our Adopt a Building partners! To learn more about our Adopt a Building program and to see a comprehensive list of our Adopt partners, visit our website here.
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.
