Oregon chefs share new flavors at 'upcycled food' fundraiser in Portland

A dozen renowned chefs from around Portland shared tables of flavors at a Summer Supper fundraiser event on Sunday, Aug. 25.

Presented by Urban Gleaners at the Redd on Salmon Street event space, tasty plates were enjoyed all evening in the sun, from burgers, watermelon salad, prawn, matcha and ice cream to vegetarian tostadas and dumplings.

A Shake Shack x Xiao Ye crossover table was there, as well as Salt & Straw, Creole me Up, Republica, Kann, Normandie, Sebastiano's, Mama Bird, De Noche, and Plant Based Papi. Drinks were also indulged in, from a True Tea x Upper Left Roasters combo and Straightaway Cocktails.

Tables of local nonprofits such as APANO helped get the word out about their causes, alongside Zenger Farm and Wild Roots Farm.

Every dish served was created with gleaned ingredients, meaning at least two ingredients were upcycled back into the food system.

The event's sponsor, Oregon nonprofit Urban Gleaners, is all about collecting fresh foods before it can go to waste and redistributing it in equitable ways to food-insecure families. In 2023, Urban Gleaners reported 1.5 million pounds of food rescues in the Portland metro area.

The live-DJ event offered education about ways to donate, volunteer and win raffle prizes.

Learn more about Urban Gleaners here .