Blog Entry 2

I have worked one shift at the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry, and after completing the shift, I felt really good about myself and the ability I have to help others in need and the less fortunate. I worked a Friday shift in the morning, which is a day that the OACP isn't open. It is a day to reset and restock shelves for the following week. I worked with a few girls from UWO that were part of the Nursing program. 

During my shift, I spent time stocking shelves, moving supplies around, and I had the opportunity to help pack an emergency box for someone that called in. This was a new and unique experience that I took part in. Myself and two other girls were given a box from Heath, and he explained what the emergency box was. If someone is in a bind or an emergency, even when the OACP is technically closed, they will put together a box of food for the person, to help them out. I think this is so incredible, that even when the OACP isn't open, they are still able to help the community and give back to people who need it the most.

What I found super interesting about the OACP is that they don't have just food for people, even when it's just a food pantry. They have a number of personal hygiene and cleaning items for people to take and use. The first thing I stocked while there was toothpaste and dish washer pods. I think that it is so cool that they are able to provide for people in several different aspects of their lives, and not just for the necessity of food.

Another experience that I think is super unique that the OACP provides is the Kid's Corner that they have. It allows kids to have the opportunity to pick some food and snacks that they want and will eat. I think this provides the kids a great opportunity to build some skills that they will use in the future, and it gives them the chance to build a sense of individualism from their parents. They get to choose things they want, rather than a parent picking everything and telling them what they can or can't have. It is great because the food provided in the Kid's Corner is all a part of the specific food group, so it also demonstrates the importance of a variety of healthy food.