Dear friend,
The recent sunny weather in Portland might have made us momentarily forget the impact of the winter storm that hit a few weeks ago. However, its aftermath was significantly felt at Lift UP, where our volunteers and staff diligently worked to address delayed deliveries and increased demand at the pantry.
Last week, Preston's Pantry witnessed an unprecedented number of shoppers, with over 300 people coming in, doubling our usual count of 150 per week.
Teresa Steichen, Lift UP's Program Manager, reflected on the overwhelming experience, "Last week was my worst nightmare when I arrived on Thursday to find a line extending around the corner near to the street."
Despite concerns about having enough variety for a full-service shopping experience, Teresa highlighted the pivotal difference made by donations of pizzas from our food security partners, Milk Crate Kitchen and Bybee Hope Center, acquired from Seven Eleven. "Being able to offer pizzas to those we couldn't serve that day softened the blow, addressing immediate hunger and reducing frustration among those unable to shop," said Steichen.
We are immensely thankful for the support from our food security partners, showcasing the power of community effort in aiding those in need. Reflecting on this experience, we, along with other community organizations, are considering ways to better support our neighbors' food needs before and after storms. Proposed ideas include:
Pre-storm communication to encourage early pantry visits.
Providing recipes and shopping tips for utilizing pantry staples like rice and beans.
Enhancing food pantry stocks within the buildings we serve in anticipation of storms, to assist those unable to leave their homes.
Sharing information about locations offering hot meals, with partners like Blanchet House often remaining open and able to provide meals to the community during the storm.
How can you contribute to supporting our neighbors' food security during such times?
Consider becoming a monthly donor. A $35 donation translates to 17 meals for neighbors per month. Unforeseen circumstances often push us beyond our budget for food, and your monthly donations can help stabilize these expenditures.
Volunteer your time. The invaluable effort of our volunteers in catching up on deliveries and managing increased pantry traffic cannot be overstated. Your volunteering can make a profound difference.
Buy a DutchLuv drink (or mention Lift UP when ordering) at Dutch Bros at the NW 23rd or Burnside locations and $1 dollar of every drink goes to support Lift UP.
I am deeply grateful for the community's engagement in supporting Lift UP's mission to enhance food security. We believe access to food is a fundamental right, and your support is crucial in making this belief a reality.
With Gratitude,
Stephanie Barr, Executive Director
Food brings us together.
