More than a meal

Roseburg, Oregon – Every weekday, a small but mighty team at The Friendly Kitchen/Meals on Wheels of Roseburg prepares and delivers 200 hot meals to older adults who can’t easily leave their homes. But what they’re really serving up is something far more nourishing: connection, care, and community.

At The Friendly Kitchen/Meals on Wheels of Roseburg, this mission has been simmering for over 50 years. Now based at Umpqua Community College, the kitchen is led by Chef Steve, a culinary professional trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School.

“He is a real chef with a capital C,” said Victory Webber, executive director of The Friendly Kitchen/Meals on Wheels Roseburg. “Chef Steve is amazing, and the food is just so good.”

Menus are posted online so clients know what to expect, and the intake process includes questions about dietary preferences and allergies.

“Someone may not like tomatoes, and we do our best to take that into consideration,” Webber explained.

Founded in 1972 at Faith Lutheran Church on Kenwood Avenue, The Friendly Kitchen recently received a grant from the Avista Foundation to support its work. Meals are available to adults aged 60 and over in Roseburg and Winchester who face challenges leaving their homes. Eligible participants are asked to contribute just $5 per meal.

But preparing the meals is only half the story—getting them to the people who need them most is where volunteers come in. And the nonprofit is always looking for more help.

“I just want to encourage people to call us if they want to volunteer to drive,” Webber said. “New volunteers ride along with an experienced driver before going solo, and we offer mileage reimbursement if needed.”

Routes vary in length, with the longest stretching thirty miles. Some volunteers stick to the same route each week, while others are happy to go wherever they’re needed.

Beyond nutrition, the program offers something just as vital: human connection.

“Sometimes our driver is the only person a senior will see all day,” Webber said. “So, it’s also a welfare check. A safety check.”

Earlier this year, a volunteer knocked on a door and heard faint cries for help. The driver called 911, and emergency responders arrived to help a senior who had fallen and couldn’t get up.

“We deliver more than a meal,” Webber said. “We take care of people, too.”

At Avista, we recognize our unique position gives us the chance to contribute in an impactful way and make a real difference in people’s lives. Since 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $17 million to organizations that support vulnerable and limited income populations, education, and economic and cultural vitality. The foundation is a separate, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp., and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities’ customers through rates. For more information on grant applications and geographical areas covered, please visit avistafoundation.com.