12/25/2020
Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas. From our WCFR family to yours!
Women & Children's Free Restaurant
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- Women & Children's Free Restaurant
We currently distribute meals and groceries in our parking lot on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12 PM until 3 PM. What began with a few casseroles served in a church basement has grown into a full-scale restaurant operation that serves 90,000 well-balanced free meals per year to local women and children in our restaurant and at nearly 30 partner agencies across the community.
In addition to our meal program, WCFR provides nutrition education classes and kids cooking camps, at no cost. We believe that no one in our community should go hungry, and that promoting dignity, respect, and hospitality is as important as providing delicious food.
Mission: Women & Children's Free Restaurant & Community Kitchen is a vital safety net which fills nutritional gaps for women and children in need while fostering dignity and respect, both within our restaurant and in the community. We have planned two service closures per year: during the last two weeks of August through Labor Day and the last two weeks of December. through New Year’s Day. Please call 509-324-1995 during those periods for exact closure dates. Closures are also posted at the main entrance to the restaurant.
Price Range: Not applicable
General Manager: Lisa Diffley, Executive Director
Culinary Team: Executive Chef Melissa Berry, Sous Chef James Agloinga, Cook Tim Renouard
Operating as usual
12/21/2020
We served our one millionth meal...this year
As Christmas approaches, we're counting our blessings! Especially our volunteers, sponsors, funders, donors and so many others who are part of the WCFR family. We provided over 1 million meals in 2020 and will keep it going in 2021. Our community needs us and we need our community to keep our mission strong. If you are looking for a way to give back or make an honor gift, please click https://conta.cc/2Kn3mOr. Merry Christmas and thank you!
Give the gift of food security "Thank you so much for the good food today and for being so kind. It means a lot that you made the sacrifice to be out in the weather to give food to families. You are h
12/18/2020
What an honor to have Spokane Firefighters support our curbside Christmas yesterday! Spokane Firefighters directed traffic, loaded groceries, and supported local restaurants through the sharing of gifts cards. If you were one of the lucky recipients of these generous gift cards, please share a few words of gratitude. Thank you IAFF Local 29 for your support to WCFR, local restaurants, and Spokane!
12/16/2020
Today's meal kits include 5-lb hams, thanks to our good friends Ed Cushman and Scott Cushman, owners of C & H Foreign Auto.
We look forward to seeing you for our big holiday distribution from noon to 3 PM only today. Curbside (drive up and walk up) services at 1408 N Washington.
As a women and children's organization, we ask that an adult female be present to receive groceries. No pick ups for others today. Please make room in your vehicle and have your mask on during the process. We have a limited number of gift certificates to make some of your holidays a little brighter too.
#wcfrspokane #everyonedeservesgoodfood #spokanestrong #inlandstrong
12/15/2020
We're offering some very MERRY curbside and walk-up services on Wednesday, Dec 16, 12-3 PM only, at 1408 N Washington. Everything you'll need for a delicious holiday breakfast, dinner and everything in between. Local firefighters will be here to help AND we're distributing gift cards while supplies last!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Due to the popularity of this distribution, adult females must be present to pick up a box for themselves (no extra pick ups). Remember to make room in your vehicle and wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #everyonedeservesgoodfood #spokanestrong #inlandstrong
12/15/2020
It's not too late ladies! We have delicious prepared dinner, groceries, and gas cards. While supplies last!
We are here until 3 PM at 1408 N. Washington Street!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
12/15/2020
Jessica Gebhardt, our wonderful Volunteer Services Manager and Meal Distribution Leader, distributed our one MILLIONTH MEAL. It's been an honor to serve the community during this difficult year. Stay strong everyone; we're here for you! #wcfrspokane #everyonedeservesgoodfood #spokanestrong #inlandstrong
12/15/2020
Stop by tomorrow for Chef Melissa's delicious Orange Chicken and Rice with Seasoned Vegetables. Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
Remember our new winter hours 12 PM to 3 PM at 1408 N. Washington Street!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
12/09/2020
Let's get ready for Christmas! Ladies, stop by tomorrow from noon to 3 PM at 1408 N. Washington Street for a fun curbside distribution day!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
12/08/2020
Stop by tomorrow for Chef Melissa’s hearty Loaded Potato Soup and Rolls. Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
New winter hours 12 PM to 3 PM at 1408 N. Washington Street!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
12/07/2020
Thank you, Providence! WCFR is able to provide hundreds of thousands of nutritious meals because of support provided in part by Providence Sacred Heart through their community benefit program. Thank you for your generous investment and for recognizing WCFR's critical role in creating healthier communities together. #ProvidenceCares #wcfrspokane
12/06/2020
The Grinch who couldn’t steal Christmas
We loved seeing this happy ending story at Spokane’s River Ridge Hardware reported by NBC national news! https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/the-grinch-who-couldn-t-steal-christmas-97193541969?playlist=mmlsnnd_bestofnbc-nnd
After 50 stolen trees were returned to River Ridge Hardware in Spokane, Washington, owner Larry Myers decided to donate them to first responders.
12/05/2020
"On the 5th day of Christmas No-Li Brewhouse gave to us: $1,000 and smiles that could light up the pavilion!" Thank you No-Li for choosing WCFR as the 5th recipient of your 12 Days of Christmas Giving! Together we're keeping Spokane strong with nearly a million meals in 2020. Merry Christmas to all!
#wcfrspokane #NoLiBrewhouse #spokanestrong
12/05/2020
We're THRILLED to be chosen as one of No-Li Brewhouse's recipients of their 12 Days of Christmas Giving! Generous businesses like No-Li make Spokane such a great place to live and work. We'll use their $1,000 gift to continue providing nutritious meals to our community. Thank you No-Li Brewhouse - we love you guys!!!
#wcfrspokane #NoLiBrewhouse #inlandstrong #spokanestrong
12/02/2020
Stop by tomorrow for a Deluxe Take & Bake Pizza. Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
New winter hours 12 PM to 3 PM at 1408 N. Washington Street!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
12/01/2020
Ladies, be sure to pick up a roasted chicken, roasted potatoes, groceries (and a Maverik gas card) on your way to the pump! We're open curbside until 3:00 PM today. The line is moving through quickly and smoothly. We hope to see you soon! 1408 N Washington and an adult female must be present. Masks and distancing required. #wcfrspokane #roastedchickenday
12/01/2020
Stop by TODAY for a delicious Whole Roasted Chicken and Roasted Potatoes. Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
NEW WINTER HOURS 12 PM to 3 PM at 1408 N. Washington Street!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
12/01/2020
Together We Give! Make a difference today at www.wcfrspokane.org/donation
#GivingTuesdaySpokane #GivingTuesday #wcfrspokane #everyonedeservesgoodfood
12/01/2020
Stop by tomorrow for a delicious Whole Roasted Chicken and Roasted Potatoes. Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
New winter hours 12 PM to 3 PM at 1408 N. Washington Street!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
11/30/2020
Women & Children's Free Restaurant's cover photo
11/26/2020
So much to be thankful for!
11/25/2020
11/24/2020
Thank you, Spokane! Every donor, every dollar has strengthened our mission and our community during this unprecedented year. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
#wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
11/24/2020
Women & Children's Free Restaurant's cover photo
11/18/2020
Join us tomorrow for a scrumptious Bacon Breakfast Bake & Fresh Muffins from 11 AM to 1 PM at 1408 N. Washington St. Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, butter, eggs, cheese, select protein, carrots, potatoes, apples, cherry tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, pears, microgreens and cauliflower!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please just have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
11/17/2020
Join us TODAY for a delicious Whole Roasted Chicken from 11 AM to 1 PM at 1408 N. Washington St. Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
Caesar salad kits, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, butter, eggs, cheese, hotdogs, carrots, potatoes, apples and blackberries!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please just have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
11/16/2020
Join us tomorrow for a delicious Whole Roasted Chicken from 11 AM to 1 PM at 1408 N. Washington St. Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
Caesar salad kits, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, butter, eggs, cheese, hotdogs, carrots, potatoes, apples and blackberries!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please just have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
11/11/2020
Veterans, we thank you for your service. Thank you for all you have sacrificed for our freedom. We salute you today and every day.
11/11/2020
Join us TODAY for chef Melissa's savory chicken pot pie with a biscuit topping and a delicious apple crisp. It's the perfect fall dinner! Curbside and walk-up service from 11 AM to 1 PM at 1408 N. Washington St.
Milk, eggs, ground beef, yogurt, celery, onions, peppers, carrots, potatoes, apples and pears!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please just have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
11/11/2020
Join us tomorrow from 11 AM to 1 PM at 1408 N. Washington St. Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
Chef Melissa's savory chicken pot pie with a biscuit topping and a delicious apple crisp, both are fresh from the kitchen!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please just have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
11/10/2020
Come see us NOW until 1 PM at 1408 N. Washington St. We are all bundled up and have more delicious fresh from the kitchen ham & potatoes au gratin, milk, cereal, pumpkin loaf bread and fresh produce!
Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please just have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
11/10/2020
Join us TODAY from 11 AM to 1 PM at 1408 N. Washington St. Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
Delicious fresh from the kitchen ham & potatoes au gratin, milk, cereal, pumpkin loaf bread, fresh produce and more!
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please just have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
11/09/2020
Join us tomorrow for Chef Melissa's delicious Ham & Potatoes Au Gratin from 11 AM to 1 PM at 1408 N. Washington St. Curbside and walk-up service for your safety and convenience.
Services are FREE and SAFE with no qualifying. Please just have an adult female present. Remember to wear your mask! #wcfrspokane #inlandstrong #youdeservegoodfood
11/06/2020
Today Canopy Credit Union did something kind and generous (again!)! They treated the team at the Spokane County Elections Office to lunch. Thank you, Canopy for choosing WCFR to cater lunch for this hardworking group of people. We're grateful! Thank you, Spokane County Elections!
11/06/2020
Today was a special day for many reasons, but mostly it's the day we celebrate our amazing executive chef Melissa Berry! Chef Melissa has been a member of our management team for five years and she puts her heart and creativity into everything she does for our community. Happy birthday, Melissa - we LOVE you! #femalechef #wcfrspokane #cheflife #bestfoodintown #spokanechefs
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Opening Hours
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 15:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 15:00 |
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Videos
Many thanks to First Interstate Bank and their Commitment to Community Volunteer Day yesterday! We had an AMAZING group of people for a day of food distribution and outdoor projects. Our hearts are full and we’re so grateful for your support! #wcfrspokane #TeamFirstInterstate #VolunteerDay2020
More groovy photos from our 2019 Volunteer Appreciation Party last night! We're still feeling the peace, love and eternal sunshine! #wcfrspokane
Through the Eyes of a Volunteer
Our volunteers are the heart and soul of WCFR! Please take a moment to meet three members of our "family." We couldn't serve the community without all of our amazing volunteers! Learn more about how you can get involved at https://www.wcfrspokane.org/volunteer-openings/
Our 2nd annual six-course gourmet "Dinner on the Bridge" is right around the corner. Treat yourself to one of the last few tickets and join us on September 14. Here's a look back at some of our 2017 highlights. Visit www.bridgedinner.org for details and tickets.
The Voice of Many
Video produced by Slothberg Productions. Shown at the Women & Children's Free Restaurant 2018 Spring Tea event.
There goes our incredible volunteer Edward on his way to St. Margaret's Shelter with meals for the residents. Thank you for using your own truck! Hopefully a new van is in our future. Join us to let the #goodmealsroll #wcfrspokane https://fundly.com/m2/let-the-good-meals-roll
Help us keep the good meals rolling to our partners: Anna Ogden Hall, Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, Volunteers of America Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho, Hearth Homes, Catholic Charities Spokane, Southwest Spokane Community Center, West Central Community Center, Cup of Cool Water, Family Promise of Spokane, Life Services of Spokane, Transitions, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane and more! #goodmealsroll #wcfrspokane http://bit.ly/2tg2uSa
Let the Good Meals Roll!
We could watch this feel-good video all day! Thank you Numerica Credit Union for your generous $15,000 matching sponsorship for our delivery van fundraiser! Visit http://bit.ly/2tg2uSa to join our donor list - EVERY dollar makes an impact! #goodmealsroll #wcfrspokane
Here's a look at some of the beautiful Spring Tea tables decorated by our talented table hostesses over the years. Show your creativity on April 1! For info and tickets, go to www.springtea.org.
Take a look at the beautiful tea inspired images shared over the past month. If you'd like to join us at our 11th annual Spring Tea, please visit www.springtea.org for details and tickets.
A Day in the Life
Chana's dedication to her 3 kiddos, work, college and caring for her home is amazing! She's one busy mom and despite her efforts, sometimes there just isn't enough food to go around. She recently thanked us, not only for the healthy meal she and her kids were served, but for doing it in a dignified manner that didn't cause her to feel shame about accessing a "free meal" program. Thank you, Chana, for sharing your story... and for letting us follow you and your family around with a camera for a day!
Category
Donor Recognition Wall Project
So often in life, we pass through on cruise control without taking the time to stop and really sit with each other. But that all changes when you walk through the door at one Spokane restaurant.
"They not only feed you but they take care of you," said Spokane resident Melinda Brown. "They listen to your story, they ask you questions, they take the time to get to know you as a human being."
Melinda has been coming to the Women and Children's Free Restaurant with her kids Kaden and Soraya three days a week for the last six months.
"This is really a gem," she said.
Melinda is a single mom and realizes how tough to cook a healthy meal for three people every night. When she comes here, though, she finds different meals every week -- for free.
"We get that restaurant feeling but also kind of a home feeling as well. It feels like a second home," she said. "It's helped us immensely. It gives me three days off from cooking, which you know, as a single mom, it's hard to cook a nutritious meal everyday."
Diners like Melinda are treated to a free meal three times a week in a setting that's unlike any food bank or soup kitchen.
"It's actually a dining with dignity experience, so diners show up, there's actually a hostess, they're seated, they're given a menu, which is that choice that so many people who are food insecure don't have in their lives," said board member Ev Hopkins.
Hopkins said from single moms like Melinda to the elderly, there's no average diner at the restaurant. The women and children who eat here are part of the 50,000 in the Spokane area who are food insecure.
"We have single mothers who are trying to stretch their budget. Maybe sometimes we see that more at the end of the month as well when they may have run out of funds," Hopkins said. "There's so much gratitude and so much appreciation for the fact that these women can sit down with their children and have a meal. There's no TV on, they can talk with each other."
The food served at the restaurant is often donated from Second Harvest, food banks, or donors who donate their leftover produce and protein. On tonight's menu? Roast beef, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and salad.
"Oh their faces light up. They so enjoy being here. They give us little notes of 'thank you,'" said volunteer Sue Elmer.
An experience and environment like this is something many of us take for granted -- but not Melinda.
"They don't look at you for what you lack," she said. "They see you as a person and they treat you with dignity and respect."
Hopkins and Elmer said the restaurant wouldn't be able to serve families like Melinda's without help from the community. On Thursday, February 14th, the KXLY Extreme Team helped set up a recognition wall to honor all the donors who have helped them along the way.
Story by KXLY Reporter, Taylor Graham February 13, 2019
Find out how you can contribute to the Women & Children’s Free Restaurant & Community Kitchen Capital Campaign here
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Comments
How often can someone pick up the groceries and prepared meals?
Are you guys going to be open on Tuesday you won't open last Wednesday
Hi there,
I was hoping to volunteer! Do you happen to need any help?! I am available monday, Tuesday or Wednesday!! My number is (949) 610-5594 thanks so much!!
Thanks once again for a delicious meal. It is appreciated so much. Love you all, and what you do for the community.
Thank you to all the lovely ladies, that continue to forge ahead in taking care of the community. A fantastic group who does so much and such a great job all the time. We miss being there with you.
Cheers to these great humans.they need to be congratulated in the most respectful way.
Is the food giveaway still going to go in tomorrow
Did you say today you guys are doing a food giveaway
DATE CORRECTION FROM PRIOR POST: The Spirit of Spokane Chorus would like to invite you all to a special presentation next Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., at our rehearsal, at Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines, Spokane Valley, as we present our donation check to the nonprofit we supported in the show, Women and Children's Free Restaurant. The press has been invited and we will sing a few numbers because that's what we do! Founded in 1988, Women and Children's Free Restaurant started out serving 15-20 meals weekly and is now a two-time AGORA Award winning nonprofit that provides free, nutritious meals to women and children living in Spokane, Washington. WCFR served 81,000 meals in 2018! Respect, dignity and a sense of community continue to be core values of WCFR, which fall in line with the values of the Spirit of Spokane Chorus. Non-profit’s supporting non-profits is what it’s all about. We welcome all to this special evening!
The Spirit of Spokane Chorus would like to invite you all to a special presentation next Tuesday, December 5, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., at our rehearsal, at Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines, Spokane Valley, as we present our donation check to the nonprofit we supported in the show, Women and Children's Free Restaurant. The press has been invited and we will sing a few numbers because that's what we do! Founded in 1988, Women and Children's Free Restaurant started out serving 15-20 meals weekly and is now a two-time AGORA Award winning nonprofit that provides free, nutritious meals to women and children living in Spokane, Washington. WCFR served 81,000 meals in 2018! Respect, dignity and a sense of community continue to be core values of WCFR, which fall in line with the values of the Spirit of Spokane Chorus. Non-profit’s supporting non-profits is what it’s all about. We welcome all to this special evening!
Great Place with Great People!!
I am the Secretary for the Inland Empire Blues Society and we are holding our 24th annual Blues Cats for Kids to raise money for your charity. Please contact me through email, messenger or phone [email protected], 509 999-1145. Please help us advertise this event on March 16.