Dear friend,
"Food is one of the most powerful determinants of health. For us seniors, good nutrition is medicine." – Bill Gentile, Resident Advocate and U.S. Air Force Veteran
This Veteran's Day, we're proud to share the stories of two remarkable senior veterans who served our country but also serve to support their neighbors as Lift UP Resident Advocates. For many seniors, especially veterans living on fixed incomes, food insecurity is an unfortunate reality. Nationally, nearly 5 million older adults struggle to afford the nutritious food essential to their health and well-being. At Lift UP, seniors make up almost half of those we serve.
Today, we're launching our Nourishing Seniors 65+ fundraising campaign, with a goal of raising $43,000 by January 1st to continue to support Lift UP's senior population—including veterans like Bill and Rich—who rely on Lift UP for the healthy food they need to live independently and stay engaged in their communities.
Bill joined the Air Force at 18, uncertain about his future but eager to serve. His four years in the military gave him direction, leading him to study public administration and work for organizations like the National Labor Relations Board. Later, he opened an antique shop in Portland. However, when he developed a disability related to Agent Orange, he had to leave work.
Now, at 76, Bill depends on Preston's Pantry for fresh produce that supports his dietary needs as he manages diabetes. As a Resident Advocate at Rose Schnitzer Tower, he assists his neighbors in using Lift UP's on-site pantry and informs them about other Lift UP food security programs, such as Delivered Groceries for those unable to access the off-site Preston's Pantry.
Rich's journey has been marked by resilience. After enlisting in the Air Force right out of high school, he served as a journalist and later studied philosophy at the University of Oregon. Over the years, he worked in journalism, advertising, and even owned a bike shop. Eventually, however, Rich found himself facing housing instability. Through a HUD veterans' housing program, he secured stable housing at Gray's Landing, where he now helps run an on-site pantry with Lift UP. “Lift UP's pantry is one of the most powerful I've seen,” Rich reflects. “I'm proud to support my community and grateful for the fresh produce and nutritious foods that Lift UP provides.” The pantry was vital in helping Rich make ends meet while awaiting his VA pension benefits.
Through Lift UP, both Bill and Rich continue their commitment to service—this time by ensuring that their fellow seniors and neighbors have access to the food and support they need.
This Veteran's Day, can we count you in to support seniors like Bill and Rich by becoming a Sustaining Member? Your monthly contribution helps ensure that our older adults have access to the nutritious food they need all year long:
$21/month provides 200 meals annually for seniors.
$42/month supplies a week's worth of fresh produce at Preston's Pantry each year.
$83/month funds an on-site pantry for a senior housing community for half a year.
All those who sign up to become monthly members will get 2 slices of pizza from our food security partners at Pizza Thief.
With your help, Lift UP can continue to provide stability, health, and independence to Portland's senior community. This Veteran's Day, we thank Bill and Rich not only for their service to our country but also for their dedication to their communities. Together, let's honor our seniors and veterans by ensuring they have the food they need to thrive.
With Gratitude,
Stephanie Barr, Executive Director
Food brings us together.
