Operation Food Search (OFS) exceeded its capital campaign goal by raising a total of $7,026,140.
The food insecurity campaign, entitled “The Campaign to End Childhood Hunger in the St. Louis Region,” began its silent phase in November 2015 where it raised $6,388,000. The public phase was launched on Jan. 23, 2017 at the time of OFS’ grand opening of its new headquarters at 1644 Lotsie Blvd.
OFS used $5.2 million to purchase the 67,000-square-foot facility and make renovations. The remaining funds will be used for programming, which includes introducing holistic and innovative solutions in clinical and community-based settings, implementing robust evaluation measures, and increasing community education regarding Missouri’s hunger problem.
The main goal of the capital campaign was to grow OFS’ ability to stop the damaging cycle that food insecurity produces. Now that the fundraising goal has been achieved, OFS will continue working with its extensive partner network to develop comprehensive initiatives that tackle the root causes of childhood hunger and family food insecurity.
The Crawford Taylor Foundation and the Enterprise Holdings Foundation made the leadership gift to the Campaign. Additional lead contributors include the Dana Brown Charitable Trust; Emerson; Interco Charitable Trust; Hussman Corporation; the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation; the Monsanto Fund; and the William S. Anheuser Family Foundation. The campaign also attracted a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor.
“We are deeply grateful to the many individuals, corporations, and foundations who supported the Campaign vision to end childhood hunger,” says Sunny Schaefer, Executive Director. “Disrupting the chronic cycle of food insecurity requires new, comprehensive approaches and shedding light on the causes and forces of poverty. Operation Food Search is committed to leading inclusive and impactful efforts that ensure our region’s children and families have the healthy, affordable food they need to grow, learn, live and thrive.”
How Campaign Donations Are Helping Our Community
Bigger Facility. Bigger Impact.
Our new 67,000 square foot facility is 250% larger than our previous location. This has increased our capacity and the capability we have to feed our neighbors in need. Future funds will be allocated to filling the shelves and broadening distribution.
Monsanto Healthy
Community Kitchen
This kitchen is a culinary center devoted to improving our regions’ nutritional health. Class participants learn to be confident cooks here so they can prepare healthy meals for their families at home.
Dedicated Volunteer Area
This area is dedicated to driving community engagement in our region. More than 7,500 volunteers gather here annually to organize, sort and pack food. It also serves as a meeting space and special events venue.