Frequently Asked Questions


1. Is OASIS an acronym that stands for something?

Yes. It stands for Outreach Assistance Serving Individuals in St. Charles County.

2. I am having trouble finding the food pantry. How can I find it?

The address is 1814 Boonslick (rear) in St. Charles, MO. You should exit Interstate 70 north on Highway 94. Turn right (east) on Boonslick. This is the first street north of I-70. After you are on Boonslick turn left (north) into the first driveway and follow it to the rear of the building. (click here for a Map)

3. Who can come to receive food?

Any needy resident of St. Charles County can come for food assistance.

4. Since the food pantry helps only needy individuals and families, what do I have to do to get food?

A referral from an organization that is qualified to determine you are needy will be required for you to receive food. You may come to the pantry once without a referral and receive a limited amount of food. During this first visit the need for a referral and how to get one and where to get it will be explained. After your initial visit you must bring a referral to receive food a second time. Referrals are valid for 12 months. At the end of 12 months you will be asked to bring another referral.

5. Why do you ask for a referral?

We feel our help should go only to truly needy individuals and families. We feel we should rely on organizations better qualified than we are to determine if people are truly needy.

6. I still do not understand the referral process. Can you explain it?

During your first visit the referral process will be explained. You will be given a written explanation of who we accept referrals from. We accept referrals from the Missouri Division of Family Services, Northeast Community Action Council (NECAC), The Salvation Army, Churches and from other organizations qualified to determine need. The referral must show the number of adults and children plus the ages of the children. It should contain an original signature (not a copy or a stamp). If the referral is from a church then a letter signed by the pastor on church stationery is adequate as long as it contains the family information. You will also be asked to provide proof or residency in St. Charles County. This can be a utility bill showing your name and address. A driver's license is not adequate proof.

7. How often can I come for food?

You may come once each calendar month. This means once in January, once in February, once in March, etc.

8. How much and what food will I receive?

The amount of food will depend on your family size. Larger families receive a greater amount of food. We do not stock fresh produce or perishable items that will spoil quickly. Occasionally we do have some of these items however they are given out quickly and are not normally in stock. Most of the food you receive will be non- perishable canned or boxed items and some frozen items. You will also receive several basic hygiene items such as toilet paper, bar soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. Depending on your families eating habits we anticipate the non-perishable and frozen items will last from 7 to 10 days.

9. Will I always receive the same items?

Normally you will receive the same items except for occasional fresh produce and a few special items that are donated which we normally do not stock. We stock a specific list of food items and attempt to give the same quantity each time. This allows you to know what groceries you will receive so you can plan accordingly.

10. Since I can come only once a calendar month and will only receive food for 7 to 10 days, what am I to do for food the remainder of the month?

We do not attempt to be the only source of food for anyone. Many people that come to us for help are working individuals/families that just cannot afford enough food for the entire month without some assistance. We provide that assistance.

Others that come for help also receive food stamps and/or get help from other pantries or other sources.

11. Do you provide help with utility bills and rent payments?

We do not provide help with any money needs, however we do have a thrift shop where clothing and small household items can be purchased at very low prices. All proceeds from the thrift shop go to fund overall operations and to purchase food for the pantry.

12. Who runs the food pantry?

The pantry is run by volunteers from a group of churches from throughout St. Charles County. There is a Board of Directors consisting of representatives from each supporting church. A different church provides the volunteers each time the pantry is open. Our Executive Director, also a volunteer, runs the day to day operation and is assisted by numerous volunteers. There are no paid personnel at OASIS.

13. I have never been to a food pantry. How do I get started?

Come to the pantry when it is open. (click here for location and open hours) Enter the waiting room and sign in on the form that is provided. When it is your turn you will be called. You will sit at a desk with an interviewer and complete some paperwork. Everything will be explained including the referral process. Your questions will be answered and you will be asked to review a food list and indicate which items you want. Once the list is complete you will be asked to wait while stockroom personnel place your items in grocery sacks. Once this is done your name will be called, you will be asked to sign for the food and a stockroom person will help you load the groceries into your vehicle.

14. My sister and her husband lost their jobs and have moved in with me. Can both our families receive food?

Each home address can only receive one order of food each month. All individuals living at the address should be shown on one referral. The number of individuals determines the amount of food so it is important that your referral shows all people at your address. When you have an increase or a decrease in people at an address you should obtain a new referral and bring it to us. This will assure you are receiving the right amount of food.

15. Who do I contact if I need help other than food?

Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service - 4112 McClay Road, St. Charles MO, 63303 - (636) 441-1302.
Crisis Nursery - 315 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301 - (636) 947-0600
NECAC in O'Fallon MO - (636) 272 3477