Local Spotlight: GSC Meals on Wheels

Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels began as a small Spokane Valley youth group project in 1975 has grown to serve over 20,000 meals each month to seniors throughout the entire 1,800 square miles of Spokane County. Unfortunately for many seniors the meal delivered is the only meal they eat that day and the volunteer who delivers it, is in many cases the only human contact the senior will have on that day.

his face-to-face delivery provides a daily wellness check on the recipient. Volunteers utilize a routing software that not only gives directions but also allows volunteers to report back real-time data on the health and status of the clients, allowing for early intervention and peace of mind for the families of those we serve.
 
For those seniors who are more mobile Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels operates dining locations known as Silver Cafes, in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Spangle, Deer Park, Airway Heights, and Rockford. Silver Cafes promote socialization through a restaurant-style dining experience and a full-service atmosphere. Each site offers games, activities, and simple conversation to help keep seniors engaged in the community and part of a vibrant social network.
 
Volunteers are the backbone of the organization. Volunteer opportunities are flexible and can accommodate most any schedule, once per week, once per month, substitute, or holiday. Volunteers can help in a wide range of roles including driving, kitchen work, Silver Café service, event support, and office help.
 
The Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels mission is funded by support of local donors and partnerships with both public and private agencies. The partnership with Aging and Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington makes it possible to provide both home delivered meals throughout the county as well as operate 12 Silver Café locations throughout Spokane County. Because of this public/private partnership, Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels is able to direct $0.91 cents of every private donor dollar to the mission and the meals as opposed to overhead.
 
One of the major annual fundraisers is Cooking for a Cause. This event offers a night of decadent food tastings, auction, music, and dancing. Food is prepared by chefs from local restaurants and senior living communities. Each guest has the opportunity to sample a wide assortment of dishes, then they vote for their favorite. The night ends with the tallying of the votes to name one champion!
 
Other donation programs include:

FOOD & FRIENDS CLUB – MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAM
By joining the Food & Friends Club, you are helping to get food and a friendly smile to seniors across Spokane County. Members receive a monthly newsletter so you can keep up to date on the impact your donation is providing for local seniors!

MEMORIAL & TRIBUTE GIVING
Donations to Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels can be made to honor loved ones, to celebrate milestones, or to remember the life of someone who has passed. Simply use the easy donation form, and enter the memorial/tribute information in the space provided.

Silver Café Locations:

​American Indian Center
1025 W. Indiana
Spokane, WA 99205
Tuesday and Thursday
Meals Served at 11:00am

Corbin Senior Center
827 W. Cleveland Ave
Spokane, WA 99205
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Meals Served at 11:00am

Hillyard Senior Center
4001 N. Cook Street
Spokane, WA 99207
Monday thru Friday
Meals Served at 11:00am

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
500 S. Stone Street
Spokane, WA 99202
Monday thru Friday
Meals Served at 11:00am

SPOKANE SOUTH HILL
Clareview Senior Living
4827 S. Palouse Hwy
Spokane, WA 99202
Monday thru Friday
Meals Served at 11:00am

SPOKANE VALLEY
Appleway Court
221 S. Farr Road
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Monday and Wednesday
Meals Served at 11:00am

Opportunity Presbyterian Church
202 N. Pines Road
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Tuesday and Thursday
Meals Served at 11:00am

Spokane Valley Senior Center
2426 N. Discovery Road
Spokane Valley, WA 99216
Monday thru Friday
Meals Served at 11:00am

SPANGLE
Spangle Service Club
165 N. Main Street
Spangle, WA 99031
Monday and Thursday
Meals Served at 11:00am

DEER PARK
Deer Park Senior Center
St. Mary's Church
602 E. 6th Street
Deer Park, 99006
Monday and Thursday
Meals Served at 11:00am

CHENEY
United Methodist Church
204 4th Street
Cheney, WA 99004
Tuesday and Thursday
Meals Served from 11:00am

WEST PLAINS (AIRWAY HEIGHTS AND MEDICAL LAKE)
Airway Pointe Senior Apartments
13520 W. 6th Ave
Airway Heights
Wednesday and Friday
Meals Served at 11:00am