Oxford/Orion FISH – Food Pantry: 52 Years of Service, Powered by Community and 100 Percent Volunteers
For more than 52 years, Oxford/Orion FISH has been a lifeline for local families, offering nutritious food, compassion, and stability during hard times. Since 2017, the pantry has operated from its welcoming home at 1060 South Lapeer Road in Oxford.
Clients are served by appointment in 15-minute increments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. A family of four, for example, can receive up to 130 pounds of food once a month, including meat and produce. To become a client, families call the office for a short vetting process. The team is available at (248) 628-3933 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Client reviews take place once a year to keep information up to date.
During the holidays, donations surge. Between the schools in Oxford and Lake Orion and contributions from local businesses, the pantry received 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of food in November alone. This generosity helps keep shelves full through December, but donations drop significantly from January through March, when the pantry needs extra support. They plan to share updated needs with the Oxford Chamber of Commerce in early January, so we can hold a food drive on their behalf.
FISH is run entirely by volunteers. “Nobody here gets paid. We are one hundred percent volunteer, and I think that is why we get so much support. People know everything goes right back into the community,” they say. Volunteers help with stocking, intake, shopping assistance, and behind the scenes operations. The greatest need is on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 to 11, when shelves are restocked.
The pantry also offers an Adopt-a-Shelf program. Supporters can sponsor a specific type of food or item through a monthly monetary donation or by purchasing and delivering items themselves. These shelves stay consistently stocked thanks to local businesses, families, and civic groups.
Community kindness shows up in touching ways. Girl Scout troops recently created birthday cake kits so families can celebrate special moments. Local organizations such as the Lake Orion Lions and the Knights of Columbus have contributed meaningful financial gifts that help fund perishable foods.
Oxford/Orion FISH continues to grow through the strength of a caring community. To learn more, donate, adopt a shelf, or get involved, visit https://oxfordorionfish.org/.