October Second 2025

No Tricks — Just Treats of Generosity!

Last week, we talked about fear — the kind that lingers in the light of day. The fear of what happens when nearly 800,000 Oregonians could lose access to food if the government shutdown continues, and when 300,000 more face new SNAP restrictions that make benefits harder to access.

We said it would take ALL OF US.
And Portland? You got the message.

October First 2025

Fear.
Usually in October, we get to choose it — a scary movie, a haunted house, a costume that makes us laugh afterward. But this year, the fear many Oregonians feel is very real, and it doesn't fade when the lights come back on.

More than 757,000 Oregonians — one in six people in our state — could lose their SNAP (food stamp) benefits in November if the federal government shutdown continues past October 31. That means 210,000 children and 130,000 seniors across Oregon could wake up next month without the food support they rely on.

September Fourth 2025

Big changes are coming, and they'll hit the dinner table first.

In the next few weeks, more than 300,000 Oregonians will receive letters notifying them of major changes to their SNAP (food stamp) benefits. For many of our neighbors, this means they'll soon get less help putting food on the table, or lose their benefits altogether.

September Third 2025

The Free Food Market was a welcoming, farmers market–style program open to the general public. Neighbors could choose from fresh produce and shelf-stable items in a community-centered setting.

September Second 2025

September is Hunger Action Month, a time to raise awareness and take action to end hunger in our communities. For us, it's also a moment of deep gratitude for the partners, funders, and community members who step up every day to make sure our neighbors have access to food. Addressing food insecurity isn't just about filling shelves, it's about building resilience, equity, and hope together.

September First 2025

We are profoundly grateful to have known Beth and Barbara. Their dedication, kindness, and passion for justice enriched Lift UP in countless ways.

August Second 2025

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.

August First 2025

Federal Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid Will Deepen Hunger in Oregon

July Second 2025

“Big Beautiful Bill" devastating for food banks and SNAP recipients alike. 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.

July First 2025

What Does It Really Mean to End Hunger?
At Lift UP, we've been asking this question with fresh urgency. The answer, we believe, isn't just about filling a pantry or a plate. It's about building a world where people don't have to depend on emergency food but instead can rely on systems that uphold their dignity, support health, and ensure everyone's basic needs are met.

June 2025

Food, Dignity, and the Power of Redistributing. Last fiscal year, we distributed a record-breaking 869,266 pounds of food across Northwest and Downtown Portland. More than 22% of that food was gleaned—rescued from local grocery partners, farms, and other various entities.

May Third 2025

Fresh food is essential—but USDA cuts are putting access at risk for thousands of our neighbors. At Lift UP, we’re responding with community-powered solutions: from garden pledges to monthly giving, there are simple ways you can help fill the gap and keep fresh, nourishing food on the table. Read on to see how you can grow with us.