SPOKANE, Wash. – At Meals on Wheels on 2nd Avenue, Steve Smith finds solace and community during the week.
Smith, a regular at the center, enjoys the meals and camaraderie. “I like what’s on the menu today; shepherd’s pie. That’s my favorite. So, I went and got the recipe from the girl behind the counter. I got to stay in good with her,” said Smith.
Meals on Wheels provides a space for the elderly to enjoy company while supporting its mission of keeping seniors fed and socially active. However, Smith is concerned about the upcoming changes in his benefits.
“I’m one of the 31 or 41 million that’s going to lose his food stamps Saturday,” said Smith.
Despite this, he remains optimistic.
“But, hey, I’ll go on, man. It’s not the end of the world. There is a way to survive. Find it,” he said.
Owen Esperas, executive director of Meals on Wheels Spokane, shared the organization’s commitment to supporting seniors despite the challenges.
“We have yet to see a huge spike in requests for services, but we are committed to making sure we can take on those extras,” said Esperas.
The government shutdown has indirectly impacted the resources available to organizations like Meals on Wheels, which, though privately funded, rely on partners who depend on federal dollars.
Esperas emphasized their dedication to the community.
“We’re keeping our ear to the ground to stay diligent about the the current events, because we want to make the commitment to continue to serve our homebound seniors those meals on a regular basis,” he said.
For more information on how you can support Meals on Wheels Spokane, visit their website.
