OCCC Cafeteria Relocating To FAA

The Wheelhouse has shut down at OCCC. The Wheelhouse has been running since 2020 in OCCC’s cafeteria. They are relocating to the Federal Aviation Administration. The Wheelhouse also ran the coffee shop, which discontinued its services on June 9, 2022. For now, there is no one to take their place.

Kim Terry, the Director of Marketing & PR, said, “OCCC is working to explore food service and coffee shop options for the institution and will keep the campus community apprised of any new developments. While food service offerings will not resume immediately after June 30, 2022, if there are any specific catering needs, please email [email protected] for assistance and guidance to ensure department needs are addressed. We appreciate your patience and understanding in dealing with this unforeseen interruption of services.”

The Wheelhouse wasn’t any ordinary cafeteria. It prided itself on going off the menu. If you asked for it and the Wheelhouse had the ingredients, they would make it for you. The Wheelhouse says on their website, “Our name came from a simple idea: We love going off the menu, taking special requests, experimenting, and trying new recipes. So, whether you’re craving something on the menu or off, want one of our staples, or want us to build something special just for you, just ask: Whatever You’re Craving, it’s in Our Wheelhouse.”

The Wheelhouse offered healthy food for a moderate price. A full-blown meal wouldn’t run anybody more than ten dollars, with most of their menu items not even breaking five dollars allowing low-income students to purchase good food for a reasonable price.

While there is no replacement for the Wheelhouse yet, there are other options to try around campus if you are still trying to find food for low to no cost. We have a food pantry called the OCCC Pantry. The OCCC Pantry provides any OCCC student with a free selection of the food you want, provided they have it, of course.

The OCCC Pantry says, “During these trying times, we know that food insecurity can be a big worry. Our OCCC Food Pantry is still open to all students who need assistance. Due to the lightened restrictions, students will once again be able to select their groceries from the Food Pantry. No appointment is necessary so, come on by and shop! Because of Social Distancing we will limit one shopper inside the pantry at a time. Please wear your mask while shopping.”

Inflation is rising, and prices at the grocery store are not the same as they used to be. Even though the times are unprecedented, there are still ways to feed yourself as the ability to do just that becomes more expensive. Inflated prices aren’t expected to let up any time soon.

President Joe Biden tweeted, “My message to the companies running gas stations and setting prices at the pump is simple: this is a time of war and global peril. Bring down the price you are charging at the pump to reflect the cost you’re paying for the product. And do it now.” This tweet was sent out on July 2, 2022, only two days before Independence Day in the United States. Sending a grim overtone throughout the U.S. because, as many know, if gas prices go up, everything goes up. We use gas to fuel our cars, but food is what we use to fuel our bodies. It just so happens, though, that both prices are synonymous.

If you are fortunate enough not to feel the sting of inflation or are just feeling charitable, the OCCC Pantry needs donations.” You can join us by making a charitable contribution to the Oklahoma City Community College Foundation for the OCCC Pantry. Your tax-deductible gift will allow us to purchase food from the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, which has tremendous purchasing power. In fact, $1 will buy four meals.” OCCC Pantry says. Visit the pantry from 10 am-2 pm every Tuesday and Thursday in the Science, Engineering, and Mathematics building.