Over the past few weeks, we’ve focused on the increased demand to provide nutritious groceries to our neighbors as a result of the toll the COVID-19 virus has had on our community.

The need for food access has increased at least 60% as our friends and neighbors are unexpectedly furloughed or laid off. Some of the hardest impact has been on the restaurant and hospitality industries. Because of this, the local food supply chain has shifted dramatically.

Fortunately, we’re lucky to live in a region where agriculture thrives. But with so many businesses closed or downsized, many of our local producers are struggling with excess produce and nowhere to distribute it.

Thanks to the generous grants of Oregon Food Bank, we are able to purchase fresh food from several local producers impacted by the pandemic. Not only can we continue to provide our community with healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables, we can support small businesses who have also felt the effects of COVID-19.

Here are just a few of the companies we’ve been working with:

New Seasons CSA Program
Organically Grown Company
Pacific Coast Fruit Company
Rinella Produce
47th Avenue Farm

“During this time of uncertainty, we’ve been fortunate to source high quality produce we couldn’t previously obtain. Thanks to funding from Oregon Food Bank, we’re able to look forward to creating new community partnerships!” says Ceci, our Warehouse Specialist.

If you are a local producer with fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, dairy, or meat whose livelihood has been impacted, we want to hear from you. Contact us at info@lifturbanportland.org.

Because food brings us together.

Sincerely,

The Lift UP Staff