Stephanie Barr: We need a policy solution to feed our community

I serve as Executive Director of Lift UP, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing hunger for our Portland neighbors. Over the past four years, I have witnessed a historic rise in the need for nutritious food access.

Food is a fundamental human right, and alleviating hunger is a community-wide responsibility. Lift UP has expanded our food programs by 56% in the last three years to meet growing needs. We see the direct correlation between Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and hunger. When COVID-era investments in SNAP were eliminated, the number of people accessing our pantry increased by 30% within a few months. Nearly one-third of the people we served last year never had to rely on a local food pantry. Portland cannot accept this degree of hunger among our neighbors.

We need a policy solution to feed our community. Food for All Oregonians will ensure thousands of Oregon kids left out of SNAP, including asylum seekers, immigrants, and refugees have access to our country’s most effective anti-hunger program for the first time. Studies show SNAP is critical in preventing homelessness and lowers healthcare costs by helping low-income individuals meet nutritional needs. At Lift UP, 90% of people served can better manage their health because of the nutritious food access provided. When our neighbors have the food they need, our entire Portland community thrives.

I urge lawmakers to pass Food for All Oregonians (SB 611) and reduce hunger driven by immigration status. Learn about Food For All Oregonians.

Please take a moment today to tell lawmakers: Food for All Oregonians must be part of the state budget.

Contact lawmakers