Times are tough. OCS has moved to a larger building so we can move more food to Lorain County families in need. Our mission is to empower area residents through emergency assistance, food programs, and other services while promoting systemic change — and the Cooper Community Resource Center will help us succeed. In September 2023, we moved from a very crowded 5,600-square-foot facility to our new 27,000-square-foot home at 500 E. Lorain St., Oberlin. Now we have a dedicated space for our indoor choice pantry, enough parking to vastly reduce wait times, loading docks, giant walk-in cooler and freezer units, a pavilion for events, more outdoor space for our People’s Garden, a big community room, space to build a large kitchen, and lots of offices. In fact, we have enough space to share with other nonprofits! The Cooper Center will become a “one-stop shop” for meeting people’s basic needs, putting more social safety net services within reach of southern Lorain County residents.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Is the food pantry just for Oberlin residents?
No! The OCS pantry is open to Lorain County residents. Our specific focus is on helping people in southern Lorain County meet basic needs.

Do you only run the pantry once a month?

We do it three times a week! The pantry is open Mondays (1:30-4:30), Wednesdays (1:30-4:30), and Fridays (1:30-3:30).

Can I come every day you’re open?
You're welcome to come get food once a week!

Can I come inside?
Sure! Our dedicated choice pantry is set up like a mini grocery store. You can come in and "shop" for the items your family likes best.

What documents do I have to bring?
You don't have to bring a stack of paperwork with you. A photo ID is helpful for getting you checked in quickly, but not necessary. We're more interested in hooking you up with food.

Do you have gluten-free, soy, or vegan products?
We often do, based on what is available through Second Harvest Food Bank and other donations/funding. If you have special dietary needs, ask a staff member in the pantry and we'll see if we can help.

Do you have diapers? Coats? Feminine hygiene products? Toothbrushes? Cat food?
Sometimes we have non-food items. If you have a specific need, please ask our pantry staff.

Can I volunteer?
Sure! Click here for information on how to sign up.

make a donation

All gifts to OCS are tax-deductible as allowed by federal and state law. OCS is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization!

donate goods

OCS gladly accepts donations of goods such as food items, toiletries, menstrual products, and diapers and wipes!

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Find out what’s happening at OCS, what needs arise, who is helping, and what events are coming up!

Our Mission:

Empower.

OCS empowers area residents through emergency assistance, food programs, and other services while promoting systemic change.

We envision a sustainable and thriving community where everyone flourishes.

Food Programs

OCS offers a variety of food assistance programming to income-eligible Lorain County residents.

Indoor Choice Food Pantry:

Mondays, 1:30-4:30 PM

Wednesdays, 1:30-4:30 PM

Fridays, 1:30-3:30 PM

Learn More

Emergency Financial Assistance

OCS has multiple programs that assist with a variety of financial needs, including rent/mortgage payments and utility bills.

Learn More


Our Impact

All OCS programming is a direct application of our mission. As the last year has shown, OCS is not only responsive, but proactive, addressing the current pandemic and accompanying economic hardship with creative agility. OCS has consistently been on the forefront, adapting and putting into action new strategies to serve the people who need us most.

184+

thousand Dollars provided

through our emergency assistance program, which assists with rent and mortgage payments, utility payments, and much more.

 

400+

thousand pounds in food

through our many food programs, such as weekly contact-free distributions, deliveries, and pop-up produce pantries.

 
 

34+

thousand points of service

for food-related assistance, showing how vital this service is for Lorain County residents.

Volunteer!

OCS offers a variety of volunteer opportunities—in our garden, during food distributions, and more!

Learn More