Dear friend,
Congress just passed what's been dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill"—a sweeping package that includes the reauthorization of federal farm and nutrition programs. While some aspects of the bill strengthen food systems infrastructure, the reality is devastating for food banks and SNAP recipients alike.
According to Food Bank News, here's what the bill means in practice:
- SNAP administrative cuts of nearly $30 billion—reducing state capacity to process benefits, resulting in longer wait times and delays.
- TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) cuts, which reduce food availability for food banks across the country
- New burdens on low-income individuals, including stricter work requirements for people ages 50-54
- According to Oregon Food Bank, for Oregon specifically, the bill shifts $150 million in SNAP administration costs onto Oregon taxpayers, and potentially hundreds of millions more in the future.
“It's a double whammy—fewer people qualify for food assistance, and food banks get less to distribute.”
– Food Bank News
At Lift UP, our programs have grown by nearly 60% over the last three years—not because of expansion, but out of necessity. More older adults, disabled residents, and working families are coming to us as safety nets disappear.
From a pantry guest:
“Without you, I would have gone hungry more than once.”
From a senior caught in the “gray zone":
“SNAP won't help me, but Lift UP keeps me going with food that supports my health.”
Despite the mounting challenges, we've been able to keep pace with the growing need—not because the system is working, but because our community is. Every time the safety net frays, you step up in powerful ways—volunteering, donating, and showing up for your neighbors.
It's that shared commitment that keeps our shelves stocked and our programs running. And right now, there are three meaningful ways you can continue to help.
- Become a Rooted Partner for $35/month
Your monthly gift powers the programs that fill the growing gaps left by SNAP cuts and federal rollbacks. From fresh produce to diet-sensitive food boxes, you help ensure we can show up—every time.
2. Grow to Donate: What's Ripe and Ready?
Growing and harvesting more than you can eat? Consider donating. In a time of deepening need, every fresh piece of produce makes a difference. Our friends at Portland Fruit Tree Project report that early plums and early apples like Gravensteins are ready for harvest. If you have a fruit tree, we'd love to help share your surplus with neighbors who need it.
3. Volunteer With Us
As demand continues to grow, our programs and services will need to expand as well, which means we'll also need more volunteers. You can help by packing and delivering food boxes, setting up Preston's Pantry, or distributing food directly to our neighbors.
--> Learn About Volunteer Opportunities
We can't reverse federal cuts alone, but together, we can soften their blow. Your support ensures our neighbors still have access to healthy, nourishing food, even as safety nets unravel.
With heartfelt thanks,
Stephanie Barr, Executive Director
Food brings us together.
