Mobile Meals of Wenatchee’s Gift to the Confluence Health Foundation Warms Hearts, Fills Tummies

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, could the same be true about a hospital? Many staff, patients, and visitors at Confluence Health Central Campus would certainly agree. That’s because the Central Campus kitchen plays a critical role in ensuring those that walk through the doors of the hospital have access to high-quality, nutritious foods that provide them with the nourishment they need to work, heal, and care for those in need. Last year, the Food Services staff prepared an impressive 439,000 meals from the kitchen—that’s an average of about 1,200 meals each day!

A portion of the meals made at Central Campus are for a beloved community program called Mobile Meals of Wenatchee. Mobile Meals is a non-profit that provides hot, nutritious meals to community members who are homebound, ill, disabled, or unable to cook food for themselves. The collaboration between the kitchen at Central Campus and Mobile Meals of Wenatchee began in 1971—the two groups have been steadfast partners in the quest to end hunger in our community ever since.

In the spring, representatives from Mobile Meals of Wenatchee approached Michelle Harris, the then-Director of Food Services at Confluence Health, with an exciting proposal. They had recently received a donation from the Dave and Wendy Morgan Foundation to advance their work in the community. There was one item high on their wish list, but it was not their own. Trish Blevins, Coordinator for Mobile Meals of Wenatchee explained, “When we received this donation, we thought, what can we do with this amount of money to really make a difference?” She remembered the Cleveland double stack steamer in Central’s kitchen was frequently adorned with an “out of order” sign on its front. Because steamers are an essential piece of commercial kitchen equipment used to prepare vegetables and rice, as well as other healthy staples, Trish and the Mobile Meals board of directors agreed that a new steamer would be a great investment. “It’s something the hospital can enjoy for its patients and something Mobile Meals can enjoy for its recipients. We’re thrilled to do that.”

Steve Mayo, Mobile Meals Board President agreed, “It was important for us for us to do something for a place that has given us a lot of support and obviously started the entire operation. As [Trish] said, we get to benefit more than just the recipients of Mobile Meals in the process, and that makes it even better.” Their gift fully funded a new steamer for Central’s kitchen, which is now cooking perfectly tender broccoli and soft, fluffy rice for Confluence Health and Mobile Meals.

Suzanne Carté-Cocroft, VP of Philanthropy at Confluence Health views this story as a reminder about the power of altruism. “We’re grateful for Mobile Meals’ gift. This is an example of the impact that stems from generosity and teamwork. It’s so inspiring to see the long-term partnership that Confluence Health and Mobile Meals have had—both organizations look out for the wellbeing of our community and seek to make each other stronger. That is definitely something worth celebrating!”

Chief Nursing Officer Kelly Allen, Mobile Meals Vice President Tim Meyer, Chief Financial Officer Tom Legel, former Director of Food Services Michelle Harris, Mobile Meals Board President Steve Mayo, Mobile Meals Coordinator Trish Blevins, and Vice President of Philanthropy Suzanne Carté-Cocroft at the check presentation ceremony in May.