SPOKANE, Wash. — The emergency food pantry at Meals on Wheels in downtown Spokane has been bare for weeks, leaving seniors without food they depend on.
The pantry serves as a lifeline for the 45 to 50 seniors who visit the center daily and eat lunch during the week. Meals on wheels said that for many, this is their only hot meal of the day.
“A lot of these people could not eat if it were not here,” said Linda Hibdon, who has been coming to Meals on Wheels for almost two decades.
Owen Esperas, director of Meals on Wheels Spokane, said people ask every day when more food will arrive.
“The cost of goods is going up, and a lot of folks on fixed income tend to have to choose between medication and feeding themselves or appointments or different things like that. And that’s a tough decision,” Esperas said.
The organization serves many seniors who can no longer cook for themselves or have lost financial support. The pantry has been crucial for their survival.
“We have folks who come in and just thank us profusely for letting them have a purpose to get up and get out of their home,” Esperas said.
The food shortage comes as demand grows. Five years ago, Meals on Wheels said it delivered about 430 meals daily. Now they deliver over 630 meals per day.
“We’ve seen it gradually increase over time. And I think, honestly, that increase continues,” Esperas said.
People can help by donating non-perishable food items and hygiene products to the pantry.
“The ones who can afford it, bring it,” Hibdon said.
You can learn more about the organization and volunteer opportunities here.
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