Feeding homebound Oregonians for more than 50 years

Roseburg, Oregon – The stove has been hot at the Friendly Kitchen for over 50 years. And the mission remains the same: feeding homebound seniors and disabled people nutritious meals either at their front door, or in the dining hall operated by the Friendly Kitchen at Umpqua Community College.

This community sustaining organization first opened its doors in 1972 at the Faith Lutheran Church on Kenwood Avenue in Roseburg. A year later, it incorporated and became a non-profit under the direction of Helen Lesh. Recently, The Friendly Kitchen received a grant from the Avista Foundation.

Today, The Friendly Kitchen operates two programs: a traditional Meals on Wheels program where volunteers deliver meals every weekday to those who are unable cook for themselves, and an in-house dining program that serves a nutritious meal for takeout Monday through Friday at the Umpqua Community College dining hall.

More than 200 clients receive over 5,000 meals every month, and they aren’t boring. Menus are posted online and include dinners such as brats and sauerkraut, pork loin, and pizza.

A registered dietitian, Ally F. Gottfried, develops the menus with a focus on what’s in season and available locally – as well as on proper senior nutrition.

“Did you know that more than forty nutrients are needed to stay healthy?” Gottfried asks on the Friendly Kitchen’s website. She uses the USDA’s dietary guidelines to make sure each meal covers at least a third of the daily nutrition requirements.

Diners who qualify for meal delivery (you can easily apply online) are asked to pay $5 per meal – or what they can afford. No one who meets eligibility guidelines is refused a meal. The actual cost of the meal is around $9, and to cover that gap The Friendly Kitchen relies on donations from the community.

Volunteers are always needed for meal delivery and it’s easy to begin the intake process on the website at friendlykitchen.org.

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 $13 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.