Oxford Community Choice Pantry Looking To Relocate In 2018

BY SCOTT SUTTON
Miami University journalism student

Despite the busy time of year for the Oxford Community Choice Pantry -- Thanksgiving distribution wrapped up yesterday and Christmas distribution is just ahead – Pantry managers are looking to 2018 and a new home.

After 10 years at 400 W. Withrow St., the pantry is looking to relocate. Its operators are working with the city to move to an open park next to the Oxford Mobile Home Park, 5415 College Corner Pike.

They are aiming for the new address in the new year but still need to work out the details with contractors, according to Pantry Director Bob Ratterman.

In the short term, Pantry workers and volunteers are focused on the holiday season.

On Monday, they completed distribution of 250 to 300 bags of food for Thanksgiving. They’ll give out the same amount for Christmas, with the next distribution day on Dec. 12.

Staff of three

Three employees make the Choice Pantry possible -- director, service assistant and food assistant. All three roles are part time.

Ratterman was the editor of the Oxford Press for 38 years, taking early retirement in 2009. After that he joined the Community Choice Pantry as food assistant, sorting bags of food and stocking shelves. After three years, he moved up to director.

He is still a freelance writer for the Oxford Press, now online and distributed as a four-page insert in the Sunday Journal-News. He also is scoreboard operator for many Miami University sports teams as well as the timeout coordinator for Miami's men’s basketball.

As for the pantry, Ratterman said it has been going well. "It gets very busy around this time but we are doing quite well."

Miami University helps

This year, Miami's Institute for Food contributed fresh produce to the Pantry's Thanksgiving meals. The Institute delivered about 170 pounds of produce, including broccoli, peppers, and spinach.

Amy Harmon, a graduate student who is an apprentice with the Institute, said Miami is happy to give back.

"It's always a pleasure to share our produce with the community in that way," said Harmon, "especially when we have so many pounds to spare."

Open three days

The Pantry is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays 2-3 p.m. Local households can visit the pantry every two weeks.

The pantry was formed by people from various churches, and run by the three part-time workers plus volunteers who work nine hours a week.

St. Mary Catholic Church, 111 E. High St., owns the building on Withrow. The Pantry pays the church $1 a year for rent, according to Ratterman.

Top photo: The Withrow Street facility is open three days a week. -- Photo by Scott Sutton