Dear friend,

This summer has reminded us just how powerful our community can be. Even in the face of USDA funding changes that put over 150,000 pounds of fresh, nourishing Lift UP food at risk, our supporters stepped up in incredible ways. Together, we've kept good food flowing to our neighbors, with hope thriving in every box, bag, and pantry shopping experience. 

Today, we're lifting up the amazing partners who've had our backs with every slice, sip, and spoonful. These food-forward champions support Lift UP through generous in-kind donations, financial contributions, and plain old heart. Now it's our turn to return the favor. So here's your tasty to-do list: show them some love, support their work, and savor the goodness they bring to the table. 

Boedecker Cellars 
Need an evening or weekend pick-me-up? This hidden gem in the NW industrial district isn't just pouring award-winning wine — they're pouring into our mission too. Boedecker has supported Lift UP financially, helping ensure that our neighbors never face an empty plate. 

Grand Central Bakery 
Their Goldendale Loaf isn't just bread — it's a love letter to the community. Made with locally sourced ingredients just for donation to partners like us, Grand Central helps ensure our neighbors have fresh, wholesome, soul-nourishing bread. Break a loaf with them! 

Tillamook 
Big cheese energy. Tillamook's financial support means more dairy-delicious meals for our community. When you reach for their products, you're backing a brand that believes everyone deserves to eat well. 

Smith Tea 
Smith Tea gifts our neighbors with luxury in a teacup — and the response? Pure joy. Just ask Michael in this video (1:40) and Chris (3:40) in this video. When you sip Smith, you're sipping in solidarity with a company that lifts spirits and communities. 

Pizza Thief 
Best kept pizza secret in NW Portland? Not anymore. Pizza Thief doesn't just serve jaw-dropping pies, focaccia, and sweet treats — they adopt buildings like The Roselyn, bringing Supper Club nutrition classes, pop-up produce markets, and yes, pizza parties to residents. Every bite gives back. 

Diestel Turkey Ranch 
High-quality protein is one of our biggest food needs — and Diestel delivers, literally. Their ground turkey helps us keep our food boxes full and nutritious. They're the real MVPs of mealtime. 

Bob's Red Mill 
Whether you're gluten-free, diabetic, vegan, or managing high blood pressure, Bob's Red Mill has your back — and ours. Their in-kind donations help us serve up dignity and nutrition in every box. Buying Bob's means you're backing the same products that nourish your neighbors. 

All Day I Dream About Food 
This wildly successful blog is more than just recipes — it's rooted in compassion. Carolyn, the voice behind it, adopted Station Place Tower and helps fund food security for an entire living community. Want to support her support? Try a recipe, share the blog, and know you're part of something deliciously good. 

Elephant's Delicatessen 
A Portland staple since 1979, Elephant's Delicatessen serves up scratch-made meals, baked goods, and gourmet treats that delight any palate. Even better? Their team volunteers monthly with Lift UP to help deliver groceries to affordable housing communities across the city, proving that good food and good neighbors go hand in hand. 

Grow to Donate and Rooted Partners 

Nearly 30 community members have signed up to grow food for their neighbors through our Grow to Donate campaign, and almost 10 have pledged to become Rooted Partners by committing $35 a month to help offset the gaps left by USDA cuts. Want to join them? Learn more about Grow to Donate or become a Rooted Partner. 

We say it often, and we mean it every time: food is love. And thanks to these phenomenal partners, love is in no short supply. So go ahead — drink the wine, eat the pizza, bake the bread, sip the tea — and do it knowing your support helps fuel a stronger, more nourished Portland. 

With Gratitude,

Stephanie Barr, Executive Director

Food brings us together.