Lift UPdate: Adapting to Change
Food Is scarce, costs are up, and need Is everywhere.
While Lift UP has been fortunate to continue providing fresh, healthy, nutritious food to our neighbors in need without interruption, we are now experiencing fluctuations in our food sourcing that have us concerned. Food access has always been unpredictable, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the federal government changed the way it supports food banks across the country in an effort to stabilize our food supply. The USDA now has contracts with individual food producers in each state to to directly supply food to food banks. The changes to production methods and systems have increased costs for suppliers. As they struggle to keep up with the demand and rising costs, we are beginning to feel the full effects of an unstable food supply chain.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Lift UP has seen the need increase by 60% at Preston’s Pantry. Many of the people coming to receive food are people experiencing unemployment for the first time and have never had to access food resources before. This is not unique to Portland. According to a pulse survey conducted by the US Census Bureau, nearly 30 million Americans reported experiencing food shortage as of July 21. This is the highest number since the Census Bureau began tracking this information in May. And let us not forget—hunger and poverty are deeply intertwined. Older adults, people with disabilities, and communities of color are more likely to face the stark realities of hunger as the economy declines.
For the first time since COVID began, Lift UP has had to purchase the bulk of our produce to ensure our Delivered Food Box clients receive healthy, nutritious, and well-balanced selections of produce in their deliveries.
We are working closely with Oregon Food Bank to address this issue as best as possible. We are being as resourceful as we can be, including increasing our volunteers to connect with gleaned food sources. Realistically we will need to purchase food for the foreseeable future. Add those expenses to the cost of purchasing protective equipment to reduce the risks related to COVID-19, and the additional staff time required to safely distribute food, and our costs are increasing exponentially.
There are several ways you can help. Financial donations have the greatest impact, as they allow us to purchase directly from providers and customize deliveries to meet the needs of the community we serve. Food donations are incredibly helpful as well! Our most sought-after items include:
- Oatmeal, cereal, and breakfast items
- Canned proteins such as tuna, chicken, and other meat
- Peanut butter and alternative nut butters
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Shelf-stable milk- both dairy and non-dairy varieties
- Whole grain pasta
To ensure the safety of clients, volunteers, and staff, cleaning products are also a welcome donation.
A selection of items can be found on our Lift UP Amazon Wish List. Purchases made through Amazon will be shipped directly to our location!
Thank you for your support in fighting hunger in Northwest and Downtown Portland! Until we can fully address food security during these uncertain times, every donation makes a difference!
While Lift UP has been fortunate to continue providing fresh, healthy, nutritious food to our neighbors in need without interruption, we are now experiencing fluctuations in our food sourcing that have us concerned. Food access has always been unpredictable, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the federal government changed the way it supports food banks across the country in an effort to stabilize our food supply. The USDA now has contracts with individual food producers in each state to to directly supply food to food banks. The changes to production methods and systems have increased costs for suppliers. As they struggle to keep up with the demand and rising costs, we are beginning to feel the full effects of an unstable food supply chain.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Lift UP has seen the need increase by 60% at Preston’s Pantry. Many of the people coming to receive food are people experiencing unemployment for the first time and have never had to access food resources before. This is not unique to Portland. According to a pulse survey conducted by the US Census Bureau, nearly 30 million Americans reported experiencing food shortage as of July 21. This is the highest number since the Census Bureau began tracking this information in May. And let us not forget—hunger and poverty are deeply intertwined. Older adults, people with disabilities, and communities of color are more likely to face the stark realities of hunger as the economy declines.
For the first time since COVID began, Lift UP has had to purchase the bulk of our produce to ensure our Delivered Food Box clients receive healthy, nutritious, and well-balanced selections of produce in their deliveries.
We are working closely with Oregon Food Bank to address this issue as best as possible. We are being as resourceful as we can be, including increasing our volunteers to connect with gleaned food sources. Realistically we will need to purchase food for the foreseeable future. Add those expenses to the cost of purchasing protective equipment to reduce the risks related to COVID-19, and the additional staff time required to safely distribute food, and our costs are increasing exponentially.
There are several ways you can help. Financial donations have the greatest impact, as they allow us to purchase directly from providers and customize deliveries to meet the needs of the community we serve. Food donations are incredibly helpful as well! Our most sought-after items include:
- Oatmeal, cereal, and breakfast items
- Canned proteins such as tuna, chicken, and other meat
- Peanut butter and alternative nut butters
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Shelf-stable milk- both dairy and non-dairy varieties
- Whole grain pasta
To ensure the safety of clients, volunteers, and staff, cleaning products are also a welcome donation.
A selection of items can be found on our Lift UP Amazon Wish List. Purchases made through Amazon will be shipped directly to our location!
Thank you for your support in fighting hunger in Northwest and Downtown Portland! Until we can fully address food security during these uncertain times, every donation makes a difference!