'Souper Bowl of Caring' has super impact

It’s “Souper Bowl of Caring” time again, when people all over America donate money on Super Bowl Sunday to feed the hungry in their communities. One hundred percent of the money donated in Cheney stays in Cheney, to feed Cheney’s hungry, through the monthly Feed Cheney dinner and grocery distribution.

The “Souper Bowl of Caring” takes place on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3, with several local churches collecting a special offering in a soup pot to contribute to Feed Cheney. People hosting or attending Super Bowl parties are asked to collect donations and contribute them to Feed Cheney, with local clubs and organizations collecting donations doing the same.

Individuals can also contribute by sending a check to Feed Cheney c/o United Methodist Church, 204 4th St., Cheney WA 99004, with Feed Cheney in the memo line.

On the last Monday of each month (with a couple of variations to avoid holidays), Feed Cheney provides a hot meal served family-style at 5:30 p.m. in the Wren Pierson Community Center, September through May. In summer months, a brown bag supper is distributed in the park across the street.

During the school year live music is provided by music majors from Eastern Washington University’s music department. Hot food for the dinners is provided by Women & Children’s Free Restaurant.

Feed Cheney spends roughly $500 a month on perishable food to supplement the perishables and non-perishables received from 2nd Harvest for the grocery distribution. This means Feed Cheney needs $6,000 a year to operate, serving an average of 100 people each month.

The program is run entirely by volunteers, from the community and Eastern Washington University. The “Souper Bowl of Caring” is the only fundraiser done for Feed Cheney.

Groceries are available after dinner every month, at a time of day when most working families are available to receive them. No qualifying is required to participate in the meals and grocery distribution; it is open to anyone who attends.