Free Food Resources & Government Assistance for Spokane Area
If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity in Spokane or Spokane Valley, this guide outlines local food distributions and what’s happening with government-funded assistance programs given the federal shutdown.
Local Food Distribution Sites
Here are ongoing free food distribution opportunities open to all ages, with minimal or no documentation required.
Salem Lutheran Church
What: Free food distribution event “Zilch”
When: Every Friday, 3–5 PM
Where: 1428 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Details: Free for all ages, no documentation necessary.
Our Place Community Outreach
Where: 1509 W College Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 | Phone: 509-326-7267
Wednesday Distribution: Every Wednesday, 3:30–6 PM
Thursday Distribution: Every Thursday, 10–12:30 PM
Saturday Food Center: Every Saturday, 10–12:30 PM
Free for all ages. No documentation required. Please direct questions to the organization.
Life River Fellowship
Address: 2810 N Park Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99212
Monthly Food Distribution: 3rd Friday of every month, 5–6:30 PM. Free for all ages, no documentation required. If you drive, food will be loaded into your trunk or back seat; walk-ups and bus riders are served at the sidewalk.
Free Breakfast & Church Service: Every Sunday, breakfast 9:30–10:00 AM, church service at 10:00 AM.
Partners INW
Address: 10814 E Broadway, Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–3 PM
Free food distribution. No appointment or documentation necessary.
Serve Spokane
Address: 8303 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99208 | Phone: 509-998-5722
Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30–2:30 PM; 2nd & 4th Saturdays 9:00–11:30 AM
Free for all ages. For registration you’ll need the name, birthdate, and gender of household members.
Caritas Food Bank
Address: 4718 N Ash St, Spokane, WA 99205 | Phone: 509-326-2249
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:30 AM–1:30 PM (last sign-in at 1 PM; may close earlier if capacity is reached)
Bring your own bags; carts cannot leave the building. No documentation necessary.
Spokane Valley Partners in Care Food Bank
Address: 10814 E Broadway, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 | Phone: 509-927-1153
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. No appointment necessary; free for all ages.
Valley Assembly
Address: 15618 E Broadway Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99037
Wednesday Food Boxes: Every Wednesday evening from 4–5:30 PM in the south parking lot. Boxes are filled with nonperishable items as well as refrigerated and frozen foods. Each box is built to accommodate the size of the household.
Thursday Community Dinners: Thursdays from 4:30–6:30 PM. Over 150 dinners are served weekly, completely free to anyone in need.
Skewers Armenian Restaurant
Free prepacked chicken and rice meals are available to anyone in need, no questions asked. You are welcome to pick up meals for your own family or take a few to deliver to someone else who could use some help.
Nourish Soup Kitchen and Pantry
Address: 205 N University Rd, Spokane, WA
Hours: Saturdays at 4:00 PM
Free hot meals and pantry items are available to anyone in need. No documentation required.
Additional Food and Financial Support Options
GoPuff SNAP Discount Program
GoPuff is offering SNAP recipients $50 off groceries during November as federal benefits are reduced. The discount is split into two $25 credits throughout the month.
To access the program, SNAP recipients must add their SNAP EBT card to their GoPuff account and use the provided codes at checkout to receive free delivery and credits.
Central Valley School District Student and Family Engagement Center
Families within the CVSD district can visit the Student and Family Engagement Center for resources and services designed to support students and households in need.
Visit https://www.cvsd.org/apps/pages/EngagementCenter for current services offered and operating hours.
Government Assistance Programs: What’s the Situation?
The federal government shutdown, which began October 1, 2025, initially threatened the distribution of SNAP/Basic Food benefits. However, federal judges have ordered the USDA to release benefits for November, ensuring that Washington State residents will receive food assistance this month.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP / “Basic Food” in Washington)
- SNAP benefits are part of the Washington State “Basic Food” program administered by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
- October and November benefits are being issued as usual, but families should be aware that processing could be delayed due to the shutdown.
- Residents should continue using food benefit cards normally and connect with local food pantries and distribution sites as a backup.
Women, Infants & Children Program (WIC)
Washington has announced that the WIC program (for pregnant women, infants, and children under 5) is funded through mid-to-late November using redirected funds. This is temporary and could end sooner if usage increases. Families using WIC should monitor announcements closely.
As of now, the news of SNAP distribution is fairly new, so it is unknown how long some or all of these programs will be continued, but we will update information as we get it.
What This Means for You and Your Household
- Continue using food benefit cards as usual. Funds already loaded remain valid.
- Connect with local food pantry and distribution sites as a backup.
- Keep SNAP/Basic Food applications and eligibility information up to date.
- Track announcements from DSHS and local agencies for any updates.
- Expect potentially higher demand or delays at food aid locations while programs adjust due to the shutdown.
Final Thoughts
If you live in the Spokane or Spokane Valley area and are struggling with food access, now is a good time to connect with these local distributions and stay informed about SNAP/Basic Food and WIC status.
With multiple resources like Skewers Armenian Restaurant, Nourish Soup Kitchen, Valley Assembly meals, and GoPuff SNAP credits, families can ensure they have support even during uncertain times.
