When the pandemic hit, in the midst of so many struggling, many charitable organizations collapsed without guidance or support for how to safely continue providing aid. Over the last 18 months as Oregonians have made their way through unemployment, career changes, health challenges and isolation, Lift Urban Portland (Lift UP) has made it through with them. Lift UP’s mission is to create a world where everyone has access to healthy food and opportunities to connect with others. Food is often a way in which we gather together to share and support each other, nourishing our bodies as well as our spirits. More than just a food bank, Lift up has been working in our community for over 40 years to provide just that.

Lift UP was founded in 1980 as group of volunteers from churches and synagogues in Northwest Portland united to help their neighbors get healthy food and connect with social services. Much of that same neighborly philosophy still exists. For example, an early tradition that started in 1985 and is still going strong is the yearly Christmas dinner. Lift UP and the congregation of Beth Israel synagogue, more than 150 volunteers prepare and serve turkey dinners and provide fellowship and small gifts to about 500 people—both on-site and via Meals on Wheels home delivery.

In 2011 Lift UP entered a partnership with the Housing Authority of Portland (now Home Forward) to provide socialization and other services to residents of low-income apartment buildings through an “Adopt a High Rise” program. Volunteers provided community-building and enrichment activities, including social events and classes. Continuing in this vein, in 2016 Lift UP launched the “Adopt a Building” program, which provides in-building food resources to low-income building residents in Northwest and Downtown Portland.

To bring healthy food to more Portlanders, Lift UP also runs the Free Food Market — a distribution site for fresh produce from Oregon Food Bank — as well as Preston’s Pantry, which provides staples and fresh food in an environment that emulates a small grocery store. ​​Pantry visitors may visit the pantry twice a month and select from fresh produce, yogurt and dairy, dry and canned goods, meat, and eggs. The food pantry now serves 6849 people a year!

During the month of August Equilibrium will be accepting monetary and food donations for Lift UP. $5 provides 15 meals for those in need, or donate food donations from the following list. Your food donations will be directly distributed to our neighbors in Northwest and downtown Portland. For other donation options, volunteer opportunities, or to donate directly, visit the Lift UP website.