Norman Coffee Shop Helps Community Through Unique Payments, Food Pantry

A Norman coffee shop continues to make change with the help of student volunteers.

The Second Wind coffee shop is located in the heart of campus corner and is continuing to give back, both inside and outside of their doors.

University of Oklahoma student and Second Wind Director Bethany Randall says their work doesn’t just help students, but also the campus corner community.

“It is run by student volunteers and it is a pay what you can model,” said Randall.

Randall says this experience has been a special way to give back.

“I felt like this was such a unique opportunity when you get to volunteer and be a barista for fun,” said Randall.

Second Wind offers luxuries like gourmet coffee and free Wi-Fi inside, and necessities like their food pantry outside.

“It is something that is a really dignifying experience to be able to come into a coffee shop, get a free coffee and feel like a normal patron,” said Randall.

The pantry functions on an all-donation basis and is stocked with shelf stable goods and products.

“We are one of the most trafficked pantries and the only one on campus corner,” said Randall.

The shop's most recent addition is an updated pantry just outside of the shop. Randall says she hopes it will better protect products from the elements.