Shalom Ministries Restores Free Meals in Spokane

For two hours Friday, Shalom Ministries resumed feeding people at 302 E. Pacific Avenue. Volunteers distributed roughly 200 breakfasts and packed lunches from the Bloom Psychiatry parking lot, where hot soup with rice, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pastries, milk and water were offered. Guests could also pick up clothing and personal-care supplies.

The return follows an August shutdown that left Spokane without a no-barrier source of free meals. Ricco Gonzalez, homeless in the city for five years, had seen other meal programs disappear before Shalom closed. During the gap, some homeless residents said they stole food, searched dumpsters or went multiple days without eating.

Dining with Dignity lost its former site after Zeal Church, the new owner of the Third Avenue property, chose not to extend Shalom’s lease. The renewed service is being provided with CHAS Health and the Spokane Regional Health District. Shalom is still seeking a lasting location equipped with a kitchen and space for diners. Until then, the Bloom Psychiatry meal will continue on Friday mornings, while volunteers will deliver food around Spokane on Monday nights.