Hand Up Project is a Queer-led, community-rooted food access organization based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 2016, we operate The People’s Pantry, a shopping-style food pantry that prioritizes dignity, choice, and cultural relevance.

Rather than pre-packed boxes, individuals select foods that reflect their dietary needs, cultural foodways, and personal preferences. This model improves nutrition, reduces waste, and reinforces that everyone deserves agency over their own food.

Our work is grounded in the belief that food is both a basic human need and a foundation for health, stability, and connection. Through our Food as Medicine approach, we pair access to whole, minimally processed foods with accessible nutrition education, helping individuals and families make informed choices that support long-term well-being.

The People’s Pantry also functions as a trusted community space—welcoming, affirming, and open to all—while intentionally centering Queer and BIPOC communities who have historically faced barriers to accessing traditional food assistance.

In a time of rising need and shrinking resources, Hand Up Project remains committed to feeding the family—providing consistent, dignified access to food while strengthening community through trust, care, and connection.