Local Free Meal Service Ends After Two Decades

Twenty years of serving the community came to an end on March 3 as the last “Hot Meal” program provided by the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Friendship Community Feast was served. 

“About 100 people a week have found not just a meal, but warmth, dignity, generosity, and the love of Christ within these walls,” said longtime Head Chef and Organizer Karen Zimmerman. “There is a profound sadness in closing these doors. It feels like a hole is opening in my heart, and I know many of you feel it, too. Due to irreconcilable differences between current Hot Meals volunteers and the church leadership, [I] was asked to step down from leadership.”

The Hot Meals program began when resident Juanita Myers saw a local need for fellowship and a free, weekly meal. Zimmerman said, “She decided to research the possibility that Second Harvest – an organization that collects food which stores can no longer use – would agree to supply some of the food needed for a free meal program once a week in the Fellowship Hall of the Colville Seventh-day Adventist Church.”

Myers said, “My oldest son ended up homeless – not due to his own circumstances – and in the process he was going to the Castle Rock/Longview area once a week for hot meals. And that kept him going emotionally as well as physically. I had that in mind when I came back from one of my visits with him.”

When Myers began facing health issues, Zimmerman said she stepped in to run the program. “I had many years of experience planning, purchasing, decorating, preparing, cooking, and serving meals for large groups of people,” Zimmerman said. “I had catered for large weddings, church groups, and social events. So, I thought cooking for a few community guests would be easy, and it would be a nice way to meet people from the community since I had just recently moved from Nevada.” 

Zimmerman admitted she did not initially see the need for the Hot Meals, but now she said, “It’s the best community outreach that I’ve ever been involved with. It actively helps us engage in our community by providing food, friendship, support, resources, and services. We have fostered long-term connections, helped improve quality of life for many, and have been given the opportunity to share our faith, our prayers, and the love of Christ [with] our friends in Colville.”

Myers said she became one of the community members served by this program. “And they don’t just bring enough for one meal, they bring me enough for four or five days’ worth. [Zimmerman] has no idea how much I have looked forward to once a week having meals brought up to me by her daughter, Halley Davidson.”

Zimmerman shared over 15 quotations from community participants who have benefited from the weekly hot meals. One anonymous participant said, “I can’t express enough how much it helps me in every other area of my life when I get a healthy meal. They always invite me to take some home with me, too. This place gives me something to look forward to, and I hope that I can carry through the rest of the week. I love the way they have shared the Bible and prayer with me. [Zimmerman] even bought me a pair of boots one winter years ago, when I only had flip flops to wear in the snow.”

According to Myers, Zimmerman served anyone who came in mentally, emotionally, and financially – even if they were “from a very stable financial situation.” Myers continued, “She has had trials and problems thrown at her left and right. And she has stayed in there. Regardless of the weather, regardless of the elements, she has come in faithfully.” She praised Zimmerman’s weekly faithfulness, often making long trips into town despite harsh weather. “She realized that they needed [meals] more in the winter months than anytime,” Myers said.

Besides the weekly meal, the church’s crew also served throughout the years by providing holiday food baskets, transportation, Christmas gifts, vehicle repairs, heaters, and water pumps. Zimmerman said, “[Myers] is only one person, but this one person has changed her community and inspired others to join her. It only takes a spark to get a fire going, that is what [Myers] did for Colville.”

As the program grew, other churches joined the effort. “For many years – five days a week – anyone wanting a free meal can find one at a church,” Zimmerman said. She estimated that 70,000 meals were served by the Seventh-day Adventist church alone throughout the last 20 years.

Zimmerman thanked the 14 individuals who served until the final meal: Jean Atteberry, Nick Clement, Steve Hatfield, Larry Jenks, Betty Jenks, Steve Kiess, Trisha Kiess, Teresa Kooser, Gene McClintock, Patricia McClintock, Les Moore, Kathy Melendy, and Marge Van Doren. One volunteer said, “Our community friends bless us more than we could ever bless them.” Zimmerman added, “The Hot Meals crew thanks each person that walked through our doors and for spending your precious time with us. We pray that you have seen Jesus in us.” 

She continued that the purpose of their service has been to reflect God’s generosity. “In the Bible, the Gospels share the story of Jesus and His amazing grace and generosity,” she said. “It is what the Bible story is all about: God’s generosity. When sin entered our world, God chose amazing grace. He chose generosity.”

Despite the closure, Zimmerman added that she and the volunteers hope to continue the ministry elsewhere. “If you have any ideas on how to keep Hot Meals alive and are able to help in any way, please contact me,” she said. The program requires an affordable facility with a commercial kitchen, pantry area for food storage, space for refrigerators, freezers, a dining hall capable of accommodating 50-60 people at a time, parking, and donors. Zimmerman can be reached at avministry@hotmail.com.