Oshkosh Area Community Pantry reports surge in demand, urges local donations as SNAP delays loom

Ryan Rasmussen, a presenter with the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry, told the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee on Oct. 27 that the pantry is experiencing its busiest year on record and urged local monetary and food donations as federal policy changes threaten benefits for some families.

Rasmussen said Winnebago County’s estimated food-insecurity rate is 11.8 percent — about 20,240 residents — based on the Map the Meal Gap analysis, and that roughly one-third of county residents fall below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. “Nobody should have to go to bed feeling hungry,” Rasmussen said, describing the pantry’s mission to eliminate food insecurity through a dignified shopping model.

The pantry announced operational and service changes aimed at reducing barriers for guests. OACP moved from a points-based distribution model to a clearly labeled limit-based system so guests see how many of each item they may take; the…