The Oshkosh Area Community Pantry (OACP) has long served the community as a primary source of food security in Southern Winnebago County. More than 1 in 3 households in Southern Winnebago County live at or just above the federal poverty level (FPL) and OACP with the help of their dedicated volunteers work tirelessly each day to eliminate food insecurity that many experience in our community.
From stocking and sorting, registration, and checkout, to picking up food from local grocers, OACP volunteers are what allow OACP to make the impact it does in the Oshkosh area. “What I like about volunteering is giving back to the community and making sure bellies are full,” said Michelle, an OACP volunteer. In 2022, OACP distributed over 1.5 million pounds of food to 1,617 families a month facing food insecurity in our community. This volume of distribution is only possible with the support of OACP partners, donors, and volunteers. OACP is 99% run by volunteers, who dedicated over 16,000 hours in 2022 alone, to serving those in our community. “With the help of our volunteers, OACP is able to ensure our store is ready everyday for our families to have access to the nourishment they need,” says Executive Director, Ryan Rasmussen.
OACP volunteers are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our community. Many of which have lived here their entire lives. “Volunteering is fun work and knowing I’m helping people in the community is a big bonus” said Julie, a longtime OACP volunteer. “I worked my entire career in a people-oriented field, and when I retired, I was looking for something to continue that mission as a volunteer,” said Sue, another OACP volunteer.
For anyone who would like to support OACP’s mission of eliminating food insecurity as a volunteer, as a donor of food or as a donor of funds, visit oacptoday.org or call 920-651-9960 for more information.
OACP is open for guest shopping at their location in the Saint Vincent de Paul building at 2551 Jackson Street in Oshkosh, Mondays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, please visit oacptoday.org or contact OACP by calling 920-651-9960 for more information.
