Free lunch program fills need in Central Valley community

It’s not just the free lunch that keeps the community coming back every year. Friendships are made, a support system is offered and folks enjoy the social hour at Spokane Valley Community of Christ Church’s free lunch, which is offered three days a week through Aug. 24.

The free lunch program, in its seventh year, provides nourishment beyond the food it serves. It fills a need in the community, Kathleen Strozyk said. Strozyk, who drives from Creston, Washington, helped as lead server for the first time.

This program helps fill a gap for the Central Valley School District – since children don’t receive school lunches in the summer, the church helps fulfill that need. The program was originally started to provide a meal to children between the end of summer school and the start of school in the fall. The program also has expanded to include all ages

The free lunches are served noon to 1 p.m. each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for a month at the church, 11515 E. Broadway Ave., in Spokane Valley, and all are welcome. Children’s activities are also provided.

The program has evolved to become something much more than a warm meal. Laura Carnie, a volunteer, said she listens when visitors need someone to talk to and helping people is something she loves to do.

“One gentleman, quite elderly, comes every year. He never came because of the food. He would come because of the relationships, the companionships, and he was lonely,” Carnie said.

The programis run by 20 volunteers who serve about 100 meals a day.

“It’s a fun program, and we encourage people to come back,” said Bonnie Hoener, a volunteer and member of the church.

The congregation pays for the lunches with donations collected at its hunger relief fundraisers where they serve cookies and coffee at rest areas. The program also is funded by an annual Christmas craft sale.

The head cook, Kathy Brooks, who has been with the program since the beginning, enjoys being able to cook and see people eat what she prepares. She said sloppy Joes, tacos, and chili are usually crowd favorites every year.

“We always make something with protein, salad and a fruit, especially something kids will eat. On Thursdays, we make dessert,” Brooks said.

Brooks said assistant cook Chris Curry’s experience working in public school has been helpful in their collaboration on planning the menu.

Joyce Hanson, the president of the board of directors of Spokanecares.org, which promotes nonprofit organizations in the area, has been helping with the hosting, taking care of drinks, and said there are so many people here who are motivated to make the world better for other people.

“This event is just an example of such a caring community that you’re going to find here in Spokane,” Hanson said.

The program also provides necessities, such as toiletries. In addition, volunteers are collecting groceries, including eggs, that will be given to lunch recipients on the last day of the program.

Albert Bergen, who is a disabled U.S veteran in the Navy, came in for a free lunch for the first time and called the scene “beautiful.”

“It’s a great place, with good people,” Bergen said.