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# SAN Pride Center: A Legacy of Care That Continues to Feed Spokane
- URL: https://www.stonewallnews.net/san-pride-center-a-legacy-of-care-that-continues-to-feed-spokane/
- Published: 2025-11-01T18:53:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-17T18:55:33.000Z
- Author: Percy Laird
- Tags: Spokane, Eastern WA

On East Sprague Avenue in Spokane the SAN Pride Center Food Pantry carries forward a four-decade legacy of compassion, community, and care. Operated by the Spokane AIDS Network (SAN), the pantry provides groceries, hygiene items, and connection to anyone in need — continuing the organization’s mission to empower people affected by HIV and AIDS through education, outreach, and advocacy.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d5/95/d595da8d-ecfc-467e-9765-406e3e9a8989/content/images/2026/07/1000016928.jpg)

The entrance to the pantry on the west side of Sprague Ave

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d5/95/d595da8d-ecfc-467e-9765-406e3e9a8989/content/images/2026/07/1000016920.jpg)

SAN volunteer at the check in counter for the pantry

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d5/95/d595da8d-ecfc-467e-9765-406e3e9a8989/content/images/2026/07/1000016923.jpg)

Founded in 1985, SAN began as an informal network of friends, medical caregivers, and community advocates supporting people living with HIV and AIDS. Over the years, SAN has changed locations and services but never its commitment to meeting basic needs and reducing stigma.

After major funding changes in 2017, SAN closed its direct prevention and care services, transferring clients to the Spokane Regional Health District. Under the leadership of Executive Director Grant Ogren and Board President Dale Briese, the board voted to preserve SAN’s nonprofit status and continue its community work.

Today, SAN shares space on Sprague with Spokane Pride, led by Director Matthew Danielson. Together, the organizations maintain a welcoming community hub that includes offices, a meeting space, and the SAN Market Pantry — open to the public every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members living with HIV can also shop Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., supported by Ryan White funding.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d5/95/d595da8d-ecfc-467e-9765-406e3e9a8989/content/images/2026/07/Image2.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d5/95/d595da8d-ecfc-467e-9765-406e3e9a8989/content/images/2026/07/1000016925.jpg)

The pantry includes pet food.

The pantry operates with four staff members and more than 20 regular volunteers, some of whom are also clients living with or at risk of HIV. In 2025 alone, the program has served over 4,500 individuals in 2,500 households. Of those, 1,170 households include a person living with HIV, and 370 identify as LGBTQ+. On a typical Friday, between 30 and 60 people visit the pantry.

Food arrives through a network of local partners — Feed Spokane, Northwest Harvest, 2nd Harvest Zilch Program, Catholic Charities Food for All, Great Harvest Bread Co., and Our Place Community Outreach. When donations run short, SAN supplements its inventory with purchased items funded by grants and public donations, especially dairy and protein products that are harder to source.

Among the volunteers is Tamara, who first came to the pantry as a client living with HIV and later joined the team as a regular volunteer. Her story reflects the pantry’s inclusive approach — many who once received assistance now help others, creating a cycle of support that keeps the program strong.

In December, SAN will distribute 300 holiday meal boxes, an increase from 196 last year. Each box contains a complete holiday meal — from breakfast to dessert — scaled for households of one to six and including a protein of choice.

With the combined efforts of Grant Ogren, Dale Briese, Matthew Danielson, and a dedicated volunteer team, the SAN Pride Center remains a cornerstone of Spokane’s LGBTQ+ and public-health community — feeding bodies, uplifting spirits, and honoring a 40-year legacy of care.