Know someone 60+ who needs a hot, free meal? Here’s what’s new in Tri-Cities

Tri-Cities seniors have more ways to enjoy a free, hot meal and companionship as Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels expands its offerings.

It is now serving weekly breakfasts at its Meals on Wheels Cafe in Richland and has extended the hours it serves food in the afternoon.

It also is adding a fourth meal option for its afternoon hours.

The expanded services are thanks to grants from 3 Rivers Community Foundation and Hanford Mission Integration Systems, a Hanford site contractor.

Here’s what is new at the cafe at 1824 Fowler St., Richland:

▪ A traditional breakfast — such as bacon, eggs, waffles, oatmeal and toast — will be served from 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays.

▪ The cafe, which opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday, will remain open until 4 p.m. Previously it closed at 1 p.m. those days. Friday hours will continue to be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

▪ Starting at 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, a second hot-meal option will be available in addition to the hot meal option served over the lunch hour. Seniors also may choose a chef’s salad or a soup, salad and sandwich combo, giving them four meal choices in the afternoon.

“We’ve had this vision for quite some time, but COVID really inhibited our ability to move forward with the idea,” said Kristi Thien, nutrition services director. “Having 3 Rivers and HMIS step up with funding makes the whole project possible, and we think our seniors will enjoy our the new meals and hours.”

Meals are provided to people 60 and older at no charge. Donations are accepted and the agency relies on about 500 volunteers who donate their time.

The Richland cafe menu for hot meals this month includes roast beef with gravy, BBQ chicken and smothered pork chop.

Meals on Wheels also delivers both hot and frozen meals to home-bound seniors Monday through Thursday in the greater Tri-Cities, Washington, area.

“We’re one of the few Meals on Wheels agencies in Washington who still offer hot meals,” Thien said. “Providing frequent meal service not only provides our seniors with a consistently nutritious meal, but the delivery also brings a quick and friendly visit from our volunteers.”

Meals on Wheels also has seven other dining centers in Benton and Franklin counties.

For more information about meals or volunteering, call 509-735-1911 or go to seniorliferesources.org.

This story was originally published January 22, 2023 at 5:00 AM.