This coalition was initially formed:
as a grassroots initiative responding to a locally identified need
other (please specify) Originally to centralize food pantries into one

Mission/Purpose
Mission is to collaborate with food pantries on meeting the hunger needs of the Oshkosh community

Description
Members interact primarily for the purpose of exchanging information and communication.

Organizations/Groups Represented
Emergency meal sites
Food pantries
Human services
Individual community members
Law enforcement
Other (please specify)
Religious organizations
UW-Extension Oshkosh Area United Way

Primary Leadership
Provided by another partner - United Way

Extension's Leadership Role
Active member; provide leadership for particular activities or committee(s)

Strategies/Projects/Activities of the Coalition
assessing/measuring the extent of hunger/food insecurity
conducting outreach to connect potential participants to federal nutrition assistance programs (school meals, food stamps)
creating and distributing a resource directory (directing low income residents to sources of assistance)
improving community capacity to address hunger/food insecurity (* primary project)
networking a variety of organizations/individuals working in the area of hunger prevention (* primary project)
networking emergency food providers in the county (* primary project)
organizing food drives to supply emergency food providers (* primary project)
promoting/coordinating food collection and distribution other than food drives (through Hunt for the Hungry, Plant a Row for the Hungry, gleaning projects, etc)
raising awareness of hunger and food insecurity

Funding
This coalition does not have funding for general operations.

This coalition does not have funding for specific operations.

Internal Planning
This coalition has not participated in planning and organizational (internal) development activities (such as strategic planning, creating a mission statement, training of members).

Evaluation
This group has not evaluated its functioning.
This group has not evaluated its strategies/projects/activities.

Success Story
Has participated in the 2000 Food Pantry Survey. Recently completed a new survey among food pantries. Would not consider this a model

Comments
Currently looking into the possibility of a large Oshkosh Food Pantry.