The cafeteria at Swedish Hospital in Ballard will be closing soon, which will impact a number of community members who rely on the cafeteria for low-cost meals.

Reader Lori Smith wrote to tell us of the changes, which was confirmed by a supervisor at Swedish on Monday. The hospital wasn’t making enough money from the cafeteria, which employs four people, and so will switch to a grab-and-go style from a vending machine. The cafeteria workers will keep their jobs, but will be transferred to a new department in the hospital. Meals for hospital patients won’t be affected, according to the cafeteria employee.

A number of elderly frequent the Swedish cafeteria, which currently offers hot meals for between $5 and $7 — one of the cheapest eating-out options for seniors living nearby.

“Many elderly people eat there regularly — enjoying not just the delicious and affordable meals, but also the sense of companionship and community,” Smith tells My Ballard.

The cafeteria was slated to close Nov. 30, but they’ve extended it for awhile longer — the closing date is still up in the air. My Ballard has contacted Swedish for confirmation, who haven’t yet responded to our request for information.

Thanks Lori, for the tip!