Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use Oasis?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have shifted away from restaurants and fresh produce/dairy in favor of items with a longer shelf life. As a result, across the country, farms are dumping or finding alternative uses for surplus produce. At the same time, lines for Food Banks continue to grow. If you find yourself with a shortage or surplus of food, Oasis connects you with those in your community that can help.
Who does Oasis service?
Oasis is focused on serving producers with a surplus of food and food banks struggling to meet demand, especially as a result of COVID-19.
I am a producer with a surplus of produce. How do I connect with nearby food banks?
To find food banks in your area, utilize the map function. When you hover your mouse over a location, a brief description will pop up stating the needs of each specific location. If it’s a match, you can click on the link provided and contact the proper organization. You can also let food banks know for which products you have a surplus by posting on your account. After doing so, when other users hover over your location on the map, they will be able to see which items you have available for donation.
I am a Food Bank in need. How do I find producers willing to donate?
To find nearby producers willing to donate some of their surplus, utilize the map function. When you hover your mouse over a location, a brief description will pop up stating the surplus items available at that location. If it’s a match, you can click on the link provided and contact the proper organization.
You can also let producers know which specific items you need by posting on your account. After doing so, when other users hover over your location on the map, they will be able to see if they have any of the items that you are requesting.
My organization needs more _______. How do I contact a producer that has this product?
To find producers with specific items that you need, you can hover over producers’ locations on the map. Listed in their description will be items that they have in surplus. If an organization has items you need, you can contact them by clicking the link provided.
How do I use Oasis?
How can I get the most out of my account?
On our home page, you can find instructions to make an account under “How it Works.” It just takes three simple steps: 1) Create an Oasis Account, 2) Post You Food Needs and Surpluses, and 3) Connect with Community Food Distributors. You can also utilize our Forum to speak with other Oasis members.
I would like to find a Food Bank for my family, where do I go?
Oasis is focused on connecting food banks and producers, however, if you need to locate a Food Bank near you, the link below would be a great place to start:
I am a farm, and my business has been heavily affected by COVID-19. Where can I get help?
While our primary focus at Oasis is to connect you with food banks, the USDA has provided a resource guide specifically in response to COVID-19: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_COVID-19_Fed_Rural_Resource_Guide.pdf