Food insecurity is lack of access to adequate food because of limited money or other resources. Food insecurity can lead to the physical condition of hunger, which ranges from temporary discomfort to sustained, life-threatening undernourishment. Food insecure people are often forced to skip meals, eat less, buy cheap, non-nutritious food or feed their children but not themselves.

Food insecurity can cause numerous health problems and can damage a child’s ability to learn and grow. Food insecurity during pregnancy can lead to premature birth and/or infant mortality. People who are food insecure may have to choose between buying food and paying for medicine or health care, which can further damage health.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 37 million Americans were food insecure (more than 11%). That number was higher in Missouri (14.2%). With job losses and economic setbacks, food insecurity is still high, with current estimates between 12-15% in Missouri–and it is even higher in areas we serve. On in six children in Missouri is now at risk of hunger.

Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month with a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.

Food is collected from food drives, through discounted purchases and from donations by the grocery industry, manufacturers and distributors. OFS also recovers leftover prepared food from dining facilities at hospitals, universities, sports venues and other institutions. In addition, we have a gleaning program that enables us to rescue fresh food from farms that would otherwise be unharvested or wasted.

Collected food is both perishable and non-perishable. We prioritize nutrient-dense food and fresh produce whenever possible, but shelf-stable items are also crucial. Surplus food and food that is no longer being sold are still nutritious and healthy. We ensure that the food we distribute is not past its expiration date.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept food that is prepared at home.  However, we are able to accept food from your professionally catered events if it has not been served.

Food can be dropped off at our warehouse at 1644 Lotsie Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132. Pickups can also be arranged for large donations. Please call 314-726-5355.

Visit our Food and Fund Drive page to learn more.

Donated food is sorted at OFS and distributed to our nearly 200 Community Food Partner Agencies, such as food pantries, shelters and other community sites. We also get food directly to schools and other organizations for distribution to their communities. We sometimes use a drive-through distribution model as well.

For our MetroMarket program, food is purchased and taken directly into the community by one of our vehicles or through pop-up markets. Unlike other food we distribute, which is free, the MetroMarket uses a customer model to empower the community to shop at significantly lower prices than retail grocers.

We welcome agencies who are interested in forming partnerships. If your agency would like to participate, fill out our online application.

No. OFS is a food bank, rather than a food pantry. We collect, safely store and distribute millions of pounds of food to smaller food pantries, shelters and other community sites, which then pass the food directly to the people they serve. If you or someone you know is hungry, contact our 24 hour hunger hotline at (314) 726-5355 to receive immediate food assistance through our partner agencies or check our find food map.

If you need food assistance, please call the Hunger Hotline at (314) 726-5355 or visit our Find Food Map for a location near you.

Every month, OFS provides food and services to 200,000 people in the St. Louis bi-state region through a network of hundred of partners. We work in both Missouri and Illinois.

Individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations all provide financial support. For every dollar raised, we are able to leverage our partnerships to provide $10 worth of food and services to the community. If you would like to join our community of supporters, please visit our Donation page for more information and to make a tax-deductible gift.

Volunteers with big hearts and a desire to solve hunger are welcome. We are always looking for new volunteers with a variety of skills. Visit our volunteer page to find out more.

Sharing about our work on social media can help increase support for us in the community and get the word out to those who may need our services. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @OpFoodSearch and on LinkedIn.