Dear friend,

There's a phrase we've been returning to more and more as we talk about our work with neighbors and partners: food is at the center. 

Food sits at the center of some of the biggest challenges facing our community – health, housing stability, and connection. Over the coming months, we'll be sharing what food is at the center looks like in practice. And as we move into Valentine's Day, a season that centers love, we want to name a quieter, often invisible issue affecting many of our neighbors: social isolation. 

Social isolation is now recognized as a serious public health concern, especially for older adults. Loneliness is linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and early death, with health impacts comparable to smoking about 15 cigarettes a day. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older are considered socially isolated and reported feeling lonely in the past year. For many of the neighbors we serve in affordable housing communities downtown, these numbers aren't just statistics – they reflect everyday lived experience. 

But what we've witnessed at Lift UP: food can be a powerful antidote to isolation. 

“Lift UP Really Is Carrying People” 

One Delivered Groceries recipient recently shared: 

“Lift UP really is carrying people. I was not at home today when my box was delivered, but I got a call from the delivery person. The delivery person just asked me if I was okay, and I thought that was the sweetest thing.” 

That moment wasn't about logistics. It wasn't about a box of food. It was about being noticed. About someone checking in. About knowing you matter. That's food is at the center in action, where nourishment and care meet. 

Food as a Bridge Back to Community 

For the neighbors we serve, many of whom are seniors, food access often determines whether someone stays connected or becomes further isolated. Through onsite pantries, pop-up distributions, and shared meals, food becomes a reason to leave an apartment, see a familiar face, and feel part of something bigger again. 

One neighbor shared, "For the first time in a very long time, I felt appreciated. I felt like I was a human being and that I actually mattered.” Our Resident Advocates help make this possible every day. They know their neighbors, understand the rhythms of their buildings, and use food as a way to bring people together, planning gatherings, sharing meals, and creating spaces where connections can grow. 

Supper Club: Filling More Than Stomachs 

Our Supper Club program, a four-part cooking and learning series led by Supper Club Manager Natasha Butcher-Cook, continues to be one of our most beloved programs. Recently, the smell of turkey taco soup drew neighbors outside at Williams Plaza, where they ended up sitting together in the sun, eating and talking. 

“A meal made in community is filling more than stomachs — it fills hearts too," shared one participant from a previous Supper Club.  

That's the power of food when it sits at the center, not just of health, but of belonging. 

Love in Action: Volunteers Make It Possible 

This care doesn't happen in isolation. Nearly 150 volunteers show up monthly, packing grocery bags, delivering food, staffing pantries, and offering warmth along the way. 

One volunteer shared, "I see our neighbors around town, and sometimes they stop to hug me. It reminds me how deeply connected this work really is.” 

A pantry shopper echoed that sentiment, sharing that the past year had been especially difficult and stressful, and that the kindness of pantry volunteers, their patience, friendliness, and support, made a meaningful difference during a hard time. 

Through food, relationships form. Trust builds. And isolation begins to soften. 

A Valentine's Day Reflection 

As we approach Valentine's Day, we want to name something essential: 

Food sits at the center of the community of love we are building together. 

It shows up when someone asks, "Are you okay?” 
It shows up when neighbors share soup in the sun. 
It shows up when care is offered quietly, without fanfare. 

Thank you for being part of a community that believes nourishment is about more than food. It’s about dignity, connection, and love made visible. 

Food is at the center. And together, so are we.  

With Gratitude,

Stephanie Barr, Executive Director

Food brings us together.