BECU in Spokane: From Food Access to Finance

BECU's relationship with Spokane began in 2003 with the opening of a contact center in Spokane Valley.

In 2016, the credit union expanded its commitment by opening two Neighborhood Financial Centers — one at Cataldo Square Shopping Center on North Division Street and another on North Sullivan Road — bringing services directly to members.

That commitment to Eastern Washington has continued to grow.

In recent months, BECU's service to the Spokane community has expanded through support for the new Scale House Market, the opening of another Neighborhood Financial Center and continued philanthropic giving to local non-profit organizations.

The Scale House Market: Answering a Real-Time Call To Action

Before a community project comes to life, someone has to feel it in their heart.

That's why Gloria D., BECU's director of philanthropy and executive director of BECU Foundation, thinks the launch of Spokane's first year-round farmers market, The Scale House Market was a success — it was a project backed with heart.

The Scale House Market project stems from the Spokane Conservation District's 2017 purchase of the Quarry Campus, a former rock quarry thoughtfully reimagined as a hub for conservation, education and community. 

Ahead of its vision becoming reality, however, the Spokane Conservation District sought help from community-minded partners.

"Gloria came here when it was just a pile of rocks and mud. You had to see the vision and she did," said Vicki C., Spokane Conservation District director.

When Gloria toured the 50-acre Quarry Campus, the site was under development. But what Gloria saw wasn't just land being transformed — it was a future being built.

"I felt like Vicki was telling me a story," Gloria shared. "The history of the land — and why it was vital that families and communities here have access to food."

Increasing Access to Food

The market is designed to serve the growing population surrounding South Spokane, where more than 600 homes have recently been built and 1,000 more are in development. Walkability, green space and food access are part of a broader ecosystem the Spokane Conservation District is cultivating.

"We feel like this location is ideal for answering the call to food access," said Vicki.

Gloria, whose career has long intersected with anti-hunger work, agreed. For her, this wasn't just a tour — it was a call to action.

Support from BECU 

Built to provide food, hands-on learning, small business growth and connection, the facility features both indoor and outdoor vendor spaces, space for community events, and a commercial kitchen that supports educational programs and local growers and food education.

Spokane showed up in full force for the market's grand opening. Within just a few hours, several vendors had sold out and quickly restocked to keep up with the crowd. In anticipation of a big turnout, the Spokane Conversation District partnered with BECU to recruit volunteers. Through BECU Cares, employees had the opportunity to support the event alongside Friends of the Quarry — by helping with setup, wayfinding and payment processing throughout the day. 

"We were really grateful for our volunteers," said Hilary G., community engagement manager for the Spokane Conservation District. "We truly couldn't have done it without them."

Now that the market is open, Gloria is most excited for families and members around the area to gain access to real, clean, local food.

"There's a deep investment here in our people," Gloria said. "Whether the market welcomes a new partner, supports a local business, or offers a financial health class, I see this partnership as creating a lasting ripple effect."

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Non-Profit Giving: Investing in Spokane's People

BECU has been part of the Spokane community for more than 20 years. The credit union's commitment goes beyond banking. It's about long-term impact.

During the past three years alone, BECU has contributed more than $1 million in funding to more than 30 local nonprofits working in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, access to education, emergency assistance and more.

Just a few of those organizations include:

• Nuestras Raíces creates programs designed to work with families by providing them with high quality services and expertise to address the barriers that prevent them from living a healthy life.
• Spokane Colleges Foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational access and success for students at Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College by providing scholarships, emergency aid and program support.
• Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners is the local and regional advocate for the most vulnerable people. With a dedicated board of directors, staff and volunteers, Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners diligently searches for long-term solutions to eliminate poverty.

These partnerships bring support to BECU's neighbors — whether it's through business expos, postsecondary education assistance or financial wellness support.

In Spokane for the Long Haul

BECU's investment in Spokane is part of a long-term commitment to the community, according to Gloria.

"At BECU, we don't just show up — we stay," Gloria said.

"When we think about helping a community, we're committed to actively listening to what our members and our community truly need. For every partnership, we ask ourselves: How can we do the most good for the community." 

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