Upstream Public Health was a Leftbank pioneer. They were here in the early days, before we had heat and maybe before the bathrooms were finished. (You’d have to ask them. I’m a little hazy on the earliest days at this point, so much has happened in two years!) They leased the suite that had been my first Leftbank office. Gorgeous suite, and I hadn’t even finished unpacking my desk…  It was hard to let go of that lovely spot. However, I couldn’t hold a grudge once I got to know them and their work. They’ve since joined forces with APANO and several other community focused non-profit groups and moved into a much bigger suite where they can work together and share resources.

I was delighted this week to find Upstream on this list of grant recipients. According to the release, Kaiser awarded grants to groups that “enhance the social factors that promote health and eliminate the factors that contribute to health disparities.”

Also this week, I came across the announcement of this dinner that is a fundraising event for my favorite Upstream project: Farm to School.

Way to go, Upstream! I’m cheering for you.

Join the staff and board of Upstream Public Health for a wonderful evening of fine northwest cuisine designed by Navarre owner and chef John Taboada at his new event space, Luce with a beer and wine pairing featuring Lemelson Vineyards’ wines and beer from all our favorite - Upright Brewing.

Purchase your ticket soon - quantities are limited

When: Friday, October 29th, cocktail hour at 6:30, dinner at 7:15

Where: Luce Event Space, 2140 E Burnside,  Portland

Cost: $100 per dinner ticket (includes open bar)

Why support farm to school?

More than half of Oregon school children rely everyday on school meals. Almost half, go to children from low-income households. Oregon is one of a few states in the country that does not provide any funding to school meals, and we want to change that.

A farm to school bill in Oregon would increase the number of fruits and vegetables per meal by one serving, while giving a boost to Oregon’s agricultural economy and lowering our carbon footprint by buying local. The proceeds of this fundraiser will go to fund direct advocacy for a 2011 Oregon Farm to School Bill. Let’s make 2011 the year of healthy school meals that make kids thrive!

The Auction

After dinner the excitement of the evening will commence with a live auction. A handful of wonderful vacations and experiences will be available for bidding including a 2-week stay in France, a weekend in Joseph and a weekend at the Oregon Coast. Please take a minute to check out the range of options ahead of time so you’ll be poised to take home the one you want!

The Sponsors

Carmen Ranch
Lemelson Wines
Luce
Leaping Lamb Farms
Upright Brewing
Vacasa Rentals
Writer’s Dojo
School of Budo
Mellie Pullman
Ethan and Elizabeth Levi

A portion of your dinner ticket is tax-deductible. Every dollar donated will go directly toward funding Upstream’s farm to school advocacy efforts to ensure that every child in Oregon has a healthy school meal. Learn more about Oregon’s farm to school efforts and Upstream Public Health at our website.

We at Upstream are enjoying the addition of new neighbors in the building. We’re also excited about the ping pong table that we just discovered downstairs! We’ve been busy in the last few months.

The four main issues that we’ve been focused on lately are:

-A statewide menu labeling bill that would put calorie counts on menus and menu boards, providing consumers with information to make informed, healthy choices;

-A farm to school and school garden bill that would put money toward getting local foods into our schools while benefiting Oregon farmers;

-A tobacco tax that would increase funding of tobacco prevention and cessation programs, and;

-An analysis of the Jobs and Transportation Act that looks specifically at the health effects related to reducing vehicle miles traveled.

While working to support this legislation we made time to host a networking party where we released the Vehicle Miles Traveled Health Impact Assessment. We hope to continue to make use of our great space here at the Leftbank building!

-Emilia