As the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry (OACP) wraps up its 15th year of serving the community and welcomes 2024, they look back on a record-breaking year all around. From the 93% increase in new families welcomed, to the 115% increase in Kids Corner visitors, OACP continues to serve those in our community who face food insecurity each day in growing numbers.
In 2023, OACP distributed over 2 million pounds of food to nearly 2,300 families facing food insecurity in our community. This impact is a drastic increase over the volume that occurred the prior year. In 2022, OACP served just over 1.5 million pounds of food to just over 1,600 families. Their store operation is 99% run by volunteers dedicated to the OACP mission. From stocking and sorting, registration, and checkout, to delivering and picking up food, OACP volunteers are what allow OACP to make the impact it does in the Oshkosh area. In 2023 OACP volunteers dedicated over 22,600 hours to serving those in our community. “2023 was a challenging year, but with the help of our volunteers and donors who support us, OACP is looking forward to another year of ensuring Oshkosh individuals and families have access to the nourishment they need,” says Executive Director, Ryan Rasmussen.
A new year not only brings new opportunities, but also new challenges for organizations like OACP. Each day, more and more people rely on OACP to ensure their families have access to the food they need. The staff at OACP is encouraging donors to have fun with selecting foods to donate and will be featuring different food drives throughout the year. “The pasta-bilities are endless” says Program Manager, Elizabeth Ahnert when asked about what January’s food drive is. “When you’re at the grocery store, pick up a second of one of your favorite items, because it might also be a favorite for one of our guests.”
Executive Director Ryan Rasmussen shares how thankful and grateful he is for the dedication the OACP donors and volunteers have shown in 2023. “The work we do can only be done with
the support of our donors and volunteers,” says Rasmussen. “From the bottom of not only my heart, but of each staff member and guest that steps foot into OACP, we truly can’t thank you enough for giving us the opportunity to impact so many lives in our community.”
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.
