Have you ever had lunch at Priest River's Soup Kitchen? The brainchild of Frank Chapin Senior Center Director Fred Charland, the soup kitchen began as a way to provide a good meal for people in need - and has expanded into a good thing for the entire community.

Every Monday at 11 a.m. one of 14 different businesses or organizations arrives at the Senior Center to serve up a lunch of soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Those who can, donate to support the program - and those who can't, eat for free. This is volunteerism at its best, when area residents donate both food and time to see that any person in Priest River gets at least one good meal per week.

Best of all for those who might feel embarrassed by tight finances, it's anonymous. Diners simply put what they want to donate through the slot in a little wooden box - and if their pockets happen to be empty, they don't. No one notices, and no one cares.

Area residents enjoying good food and good conversation.

A hearty meal at little or no cost is only one of the benefits... I love seeing how people socialize here. In a restaurant the patrons choose a table, eat, and leave. Here, a few leave after the meal, but many stay and mingle - visiting with old friends and meeting new ones. Some come early and stay until the doors close at 1 - just because the social aspect is so much fun.

If you're new in town, or simply feeling the need for some company, this is a great place to connect. And if you're rushing out from work for a quick lunch, the buffet-style serving means you can get a hearty meal in a hurry. The food is so good, some guests return to the office with "to-go" boxes for their co-workers.

The Soup Kitchen welcomes all ages, and all walks of life - so come and enjoy.