Over twenty-one years ago a small group of people asked themselves, "How can we help those of our neighbors who are in need?" A group of caring individuals from three Lutheran Churches decided to respond to one of the most basic needs for survival; and that was to provide food assistance. These three churches; Living Lord, Christ the King, and, Hope gathered together the necessary volunteers and Christ the King provided the physical facility to give birth to: Outreach Assistance Serving Individuals in St. Charles County (O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry) - a mission offering food assistance. This mission is incorporated as a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization. There are no paid personnel at O.A.S.I.S. The original location for the pantry was on Christ The King Church property in St. Peters. During 1997 OASIS moved to our current location at 1814 Boone's Lick (rear) in St. Charles. Dramatic growth in the number of people coming for help has occurred since that move. The pantry provided food and hygiene items to 3669 families during 2007. This original small group of volunteers has grown to over 400 volunteers that support this mission on a monthly basis. The number of families served has grown from a few dozen to as many as 600 families a month. The quantity and variety of food has gone from; dividing up whatever was donated - to a fixed menu of food and hygiene items to help the family needs for over a week The number of churches supporting this mission (serving on the board) has gone from 3 to 16 churches with 27 board members. In addition to the 16 churches represented by 27 members on the board; the total number of churches involved is 43.There are 39 business and 43 fraternal and other organizations, and 35 schools. These groups sponsor food drives, donate money, or other support of O.A.S.I.S. in this mission. Grants are provided by the city, state, businesses, private, and, others. What you can see is that O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry is supported by a cross-section of the community. There is a definite need for this type of mission and the need is growing. The families we help are mostly single parent and/or working families; some are disabled and some are retirees. A large number of the families include children. Their limited income and benefits can not meet all of today's basic needs. Some have been laid off and later re-employed at a lesser pay with lesser or no benefits. A family of four "working" but making less than $22,600 a year are considered to be at the poverty level. We at O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry want to thank all of the many sources of support that have kept this mission alive and responsive to the needs in our community. Without the support of you and your organizations, this mission would have ceased to function. It is your support, care, and concern that brings help to those who need help. Your past support has meant so much to the families in our community. Your future support is not only desired, but is vitally necessary to continue this mission.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (636) 723-0037 to book your appointment.
Address :
1814 Boones Lick Rd,
Saint Charles, MO 63301.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Saint Charles
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saint Charles
Appointments
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.
For the full set of services, you can call (636) 723-0037 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.
Food Pantry in Near By City
Food Pantry in Near By County
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.