SPOKANE, Wash. – As thousands of families in Spokane face the loss of food benefits this week, Skewers restaurant is stepping up to help. The downtown restaurant is offering free meals to anyone in need.
Owner Mirak Kazanjian emphasized that the decision is not about publicity but about supporting the community during challenging times. With federal SNAP cuts taking effect, Kazanjian felt compelled to provide assistance to those most affected. “I don’t even think the government realizes what it’s like for families that are struggling,” Kazanjian said. “And for the government to turn a cold shoulder, it’s unfortunate. And I don’t want this to also be about pointing fingers. There’s no fingers to be pointed at. It’s just about us filling that role.”
The Armenian restaurant, located on West First Avenue, plans to start distributing free pre-packed chicken and rice meals this weekend with no questions asked.
Kazanjian explained his motivations, saying, “It’s a sad reality, and I just thought to myself, what can I do to make it a little bit better for some people in the community? And I have food, and it’s just a good way to take what I have and what I’ve been gifted with and what I’m blessed with and be able to give a little bit of that to those who might need it and in turn hopefully spread some hope and meet this need while it’s needed.”
To remove any potential embarrassment for those seeking help, Kazanjian encourages people in need to call ahead as if they were placing an order. “Feeling ashamed to walk into a restaurant and ask for a free meal. If you just call ahead and give us your name and how many are in your family, we’ll get those meals packed for you. We’ll have your name on our list. That way when you come in, you just say, I have an order to pick up,” he said.
Kazanjian aims to remind people they are not forgotten and hopes to inspire other businesses to follow his lead. He stated, “I don’t want any attention, but what I want to bring attention to is what we can do as a community. And I want to challenge others to do the same. I want to inspire others. And I also want to give people hope and for them to see that their neighbors do care about them.”
The free meal program at Skewers begins this Saturday and will continue as long as families need it.
