Dear friend,
No Tricks — Just Treats of Generosity!
Last week, we talked about fear — the kind that lingers in the light of day. The fear of what happens when nearly 800,000 Oregonians could lose access to food if the government shutdown continues, and when 300,000 more face new SNAP restrictions that make benefits harder to access.
We said it would take ALL OF US.
And Portland? You got the message.
Across our city, people are showing what community care looks like:
Families“adopting" families to take grocery shopping
Small businesses offering free meals, no questions asked
Community fridges being stocked and restocked
And right here at Lift UP, our inboxes filled with neighbors asking,“How can I help?”
Because when the systems shake, our community steps up.
From Fear to Action
Since our last e-news, the outpouring of support has been nothing short of inspiring.
Dozens of new food drives have launched.
Longtime supporters are becoming monthly Root Partners, helping us plan ahead in uncertain times.
Volunteers — new and returning — are stepping up to help with food rescue, distribution, and pantry hospitality.
And every act of generosity matters.
Last Friday, one neighbor who needed emergency groceries came to Preston's Pantry for the first time. They followed up with a note that said:
“I used a cane and managed to go through the Pantry on Friday. I got some great groceries, even though I was #75 in line!
Thanks to all the staff, volunteers, and donors. I'm eating comfortably this weekend because of everyone's generosity.”
This is what community looks like — a mix of kindness, resilience, and hope.
Meanwhile, at the Policy Level...
The situation around SNAP remains as unstable as ever:
225 Oregon organizations sent a joint letter to Congress and the USDA demanding continued SNAP funding.
House Democrats, state legislators, and Governor Tina Kotek followed with their own letters urging immediate action.
The USDA doubled down Friday, confirming it would not use contingency funds to issue benefits next month.
And as of this week , Oregon has joined other states in filing a lawsuit to compel the USDA to release those funds.
You can also watch and share this KPTV Fox 12 interview with Cecilia Estraviz, our Operations Manager, and me, where we spoke about the real, local impact of these federal shifts — and how community organizations like Lift UP are stepping in to fill the gap.
Three Simple Ways to Help
Give What You Can
Whether it's $5 or $500, every dollar fills a plate.
Make a gift today or
Become a Root Partner to provide steady monthly support.
Give and win and get a chance to win big support our Give!Guide campaign
Host a Food & Fund Drive
Gather coworkers, friends, or your faith community!
We're focusing on our three“Root Items":
Canned soup • Nut butter • Shelf-stable milk
Email CaSaundra Johnson to get started: casaundra@lifturbanportland.org.
Volunteer
We especially need:
Physically able volunteers for Thursday and Saturday food rescues
Hospitality and intake volunteers at Preston's Pantry
Contact Julie Ramos: julie@lifturbanportland.org.
Advocate & Share Resources
️ Raise Your Voice
Join us in urging USDA and Congress to take immediate action to protect SNAP benefits. Sign and send your message by copying and pasting this link in your browser: https://secure.oregonfoodbank.org/a/government-shutdown
️
Share Food Resources
If you or someone you know needs help accessing food, please share this statewide resource list from Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon:
Where to Find Food Resources in Oregon: https://oregonhunger.org/2025/10/where-to-find-food-resources-in-oregon/.
From Fear to Hope
This moment may feel uncertain — but what's clear is how deeply Portlanders care for one another.
Together, we'll keep cupboards stocked, fridges full, and neighbors fed — one generous act at a time.
Because fear may be the theme of October...
but community is still the story of November.
With Gratitude,
Stephanie Barr, Executive Director
P.S. If you have neighbors or friends who want to stay informed about the latest SNAP updates and impacts, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services website and follow their social media channels for real-time information @ORHumanServices.
Food brings us together.
