Tag: Operation Food Search

Business World

Operation Food Search Endowment Campaign Exceeds $5 Million Goal

May 15, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Operation Food Search

Sunny Day Endowment, named after the hunger-relief organization’s longtime leader, recently reached a $5.6 million milestone

(St. Louis, Mo., May 14, 2021) Operation Food Search (OFS) recently announced surpassing its original $5 million benchmarks for the Sunny Day Endowment. To date, the campaign has raised $5.6 million on behalf of its namesake, Sunny Schaefer, a hunger relief pioneer who served as OFS’s executive director for more than two decades. The initiative will continue to accept donations through the end of this year, which currently marks the 40th anniversary of OFS.

The Sunny Day Endowment was established to provide a reliable source of income in perpetuity, ensuring all children and families could lead healthier lives both now and for generations to come. Schaefer’s dream – to create a hunger-free region – focused on promoting equity and discovering solutions in response to the area’s food system challenges. The initiative was designed to further assist OFS’s work, which focuses on the root causes perpetuating the vicious cycle of malnutrition and hunger that adversely impact the St. Louis region.

For the past four decades, OFS has grown thanks to the community’s support. OFS once had a $400,000 operating budget and distributed 11 million pounds of food per year. Today it has a $37 million operating budget and distributes three million pounds of food per month.

“We have seen firsthand how the pandemic has highlighted the disparities among certain communities that are even more vulnerable during times of crisis,” said OFS President and CEO Kristen Wild. “This campaign – which allows us to embrace sustainability and ensure ongoing commitment to those who need it most – will raise the essential funds we need to bring about future change with our underlying systems.”

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. that provides free food, nutrition education, and innovative programs proven to reduce food insecurity. With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food. The agency provides food and services to 200,000 individuals monthly – one-third of whom are children – through a network of 330 community partners in 27 Missouri and Illinois counties and the city of St. Louis. For more information, call (314) 726-5355 or visit Operation Food Search.

Business World

Operation Food Search Distributes One Millionth Child’s Meal

May 7, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Operation Food Search

Hunger relief organization continues to proactively address food insecurity

for children and families during the ongoing pandemic

 

(St. Louis, Mo., May 6, 2021) Operation Food Search (OFS), a non-profit hunger relief organization, recently distributed the one-millionth child’s meal through its Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

 

The pandemic created an emergency response need, so OFS started its continuous SFSP service in March of 2020 to provide immediate food assistance for children.  SFSP, which is funded by the USDA, ensures that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.

 

Each daily food package contains whole grains, a full cup of fruit and vegetables, dairy, and protein.  Families can pick up breakfast and lunch, for two days at a time, at any OFS partner location on Mon., Wed., and Fri.  Each child can receive up to 12 meals per week.  This is the ninth year OFS has managed the free program that typically runs from the beginning of June through the second week in August.

 

“In a typical summer, we serve 2,000 meals a week, and now we’re serving 20,000,” said OFS Director of Child and Family Nutrition Brian Wieher.  “We have worked with community locations – such as libraries and community centers – and flipped our model to do drive-through, contactless distributions three days a week.  We’ve kept it consistent so the community would know they could rely on the food.”

 

Wieher credits strong partnerships with organizations like the St. Louis County Library for making it possible to also provide meals to adults and families through summer meal distributions.  More than an additional 800,000 meals and 500,000 pounds of fresh produce were provided at summer food sites to families.  “These are all different programs that we’ve brought into the same space in order to be more efficient with our staff and volunteers,” Wieher said.

 

Pictured from left to right are Operation Food Search team members Lucia Burton, Brooklyn Swyers, Brian Wieher and Melissa Weissler. The pictured bag contains two child meals – one breakfast and one lunch.

 

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. that provides free food, nutrition education and innovative programs proven to reduce food insecurity.  With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food.  The agency provides food and services to 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – one-third of whom are children – through a network of 330 community partners in 27 Missouri and Illinois counties and the city of St. Louis.  For more information, call (314) 726-5355 or visit Operation Food Search.

 

Business World

Operation Food Search Receives $240,000 Donation for Franklin County

Apr 29, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Operation Food Search

Anonymous donation specifically earmarked for the nonprofit’s Franklin County partner agencies

(St. Louis, Mo., April 29, 2021) Operation Food Search (OFS), a non-profit hunger relief organization, recently received $240,000 from a semi-retired couple now living in Franklin County who wished to stay anonymous.  Their one request:  the donation had to be used for OFS’s partner agencies located in the Franklin County community.  Their main objective:  their donation would inspire people to give to agencies like this which are addressing food insecurity during the current pandemic.

Each of the following agencies received $30,000:  Agape House of Franklin County, Agape Help House of Pacific, Catholic Services of St. Clair, Community Outreach of Gerald, Loving Hearts Outreach, St. Francis Borgia, Second Blessings, and Tri Pantry.  Potential uses for the funds include purchasing vehicles, walk-in coolers, and shelf-stable food, as well as expanding and improving sites to incorporate handicap accessibility and security.

“This generous donation was made by long-time supporters of our agency who wished to remain anonymous,” said OFS President and CEO Kristen Wild.  “They are a semi-retired couple who recognized the increased and ongoing need of the Franklin County community, and they stepped up to make a difference in their area.”  Wild added that the funds were distributed to the nonprofits’ partner agencies “demonstrating the biggest need in serving families experiencing food insecurity during this ongoing pandemic.”

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. that provides free food, nutrition education and innovative programs proven to reduce food insecurity.  With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food.  The agency provides food and services to 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – one-third of whom are children – through a network of 330 community partners in 27 Missouri and Illinois counties and the city of St. Louis.  For more information, call (314) 726-5355 or visit Operation Food Search.

Business World

Operation Food Search Hosts Operation Barbecue

Apr 21, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Operation Food Search

Proceeds to benefit agency’s Operation Backpack program

(St. Louis, Mo., April 21, 2021) Operation Food Search (OFS), a non-profit hunger relief organization, will hold its first Operation Barbecue led by Sugarfire’s award-winning executive chef Matt Glickert.  The virtual cooking class will be held Thurs., May 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Chef Glickert will guide beginners and foodies alike through the preparation of a full meal including chicken, shrimp and vegetable kabobs, creamy lemon herb coleslaw, and grilled Yukon gold potato salad.  The interactive event is presented by OFS’s Friends Board, a dynamic group of young professionals vested in feeding the community’s hungry.  Proceeds from Operation Barbecue will support Operation Backpack, which provides weekend meals to food-insecure kids throughout the school year.

Tickets, which are $65 for two adults or a $100 family pack that serves four people, include virtual event access plus ingredients for the meal.  A beer pairing that includes four cans of 4 Hands City Wide Beer is an additional $12.  Sugarfire meal kits are available for pick up at their Wentzville, Valley Park, Olivette, downtown, and Winghaven locations.

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. that provides free food, nutrition education and innovative programs proven to reduce food insecurity.  With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food.  The agency provides food and services to 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – one-third of whom are children – through a network of 330 community partners in 27 Missouri and Illinois counties and the city of St. Louis.

To order tickets, call (314) 726-5355 or visit Operation Food Search.

Business World

Operation Food Search Creates Gleaning Partnership with Eckert’s

Apr 14, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Eckert’s Belleville Farm, #Operation Food Search

(St. Louis, Mo., April 13, 2021) Operation Food Search (OFS), a non-profit hunger relief organization, recently announced a new gleaning partnership with Eckert’s Belleville Farm located at 951 S. Green Mount Rd. in Belleville, Ill. The family farm will donate peaches and apples from gleaning events to assist OFS’s Greater St. Louis Area Gleaning Program, which is in conjunction with the Missouri Coalition for the Environment (MCE).

The gleaning—which involves harvesting or picking up already harvested food that would otherwise be unused—will be conducted by volunteers from US Foods, a restaurant supplier for St. Louis and more than 300,000 operations across the country. The donated gleaned food is then quickly distributed to OFS’s network of more than 200 food pantries, shelters and food sites located throughout the bi-state region.

Eckert’s Country Store & Farms is the largest family-owned and operated pick-your-own orchard in the U.S. Eckert’s Belleville Farm is open year-round and offers seasonal pick-your-own fruit and vegetables. The sixth and seventh generations of the Eckert family operate retail, entertainment, and farming entities in southwestern Illinois.

“Eckert’s partnership with Operation Food Search represents a longstanding commitment to help nourish the bodies of those in need, and it’s one that we have taken to heart for over 25 years. Previously our Eckert’s team members harvested the fruit and worked with Operation Food Search to receive and distribute the donations. We’re excited to welcome US Foods team out to Eckert’s for the gleaning initiative and are thrilled to continue to provide our homegrown peaches and apples to feed so many in our region,” said Eckert’s Marketing Director Amanda Morgan.

“US Food is proud to partner with Operation Food Search and Eckert’s in their efforts to address food insecurity across St. Louis,” said Andy Stein, Area President for US Foods. Eckert’s has been a valued partner of US Foods for more than 20 years, and it’s an honor to provide them additional support wherever it’s needed. US Foods has a longstanding commitment to supporting hunger-relief efforts across the country, and it’s a pleasure to be involved in such a wonderful event.”

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. that provides free food, nutrition education and innovative programs proven to reduce food insecurity. With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food. The agency provides food and services to 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – one-third of whom are children – through a network of 330 community partners in 27 Missouri and Illinois counties and the city of St. Louis.

To learn more about how farms and volunteers can participate in gleaning efforts, call (314) 726-5355 or visit Operation Food Search.

Business World

Operation Food Search Provides $17,000 in Funding to Partner Agencies

Mar 18, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Operation Food Search, #St. Louis

Financial assistance marks the first time in its 40-year history
that the hunger relief agency has allocated emergency grants to community partners

 

(St. Louis, Mo., March 17, 2021) Operation Food Search (OFS), a non-profit hunger relief organization, recently presented its own grants to community partners for the first time in the agency’s 40-year history.  The funds – which ranged from $500 to nearly $9,000 in three categories – were distributed to 14 OFS partners and totaled $17,150.  Each grant request was reviewed in an anonymous process by a Community Food Partner Advisory Council that determined the recipients and their award amount.

 

Compliance Emergency grants were given to OFS’s community food partner sites in the event of an emergency requiring financial support that could not be obtained elsewhere.  Recipients included Anointed Hands Food Pantry in Maplewood, Mo., Church of the Living God Food Pantry in O’Fallon, Ill., Mind of Christ in East St. Louis, Mo., and Wilhelmina Hardin Food Pantry in St. Louis, Mo.

 

Compliance Incentives grants were awarded to improve food site functions, as well as to enhance the site’s environment specifically relating to its pantry.  Recipients included Community Interfaith Food Pantry in Belleville, Ill., Emmanuel SDA Food Pantry in St. Louis, Mo., Foster Adoption Support Team (F.A.S.T.) of Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association in St. Charles, Mo., Hillsboro Food Pantry in Hillsboro, Mo., Our Lady of Guadalupe Food Pantry in St. Louis County, Mo., Jefferson County Rescue Mission Food Pantry in Pevely, Mo., St. Francis Borgia Food Pantry in Washington, Mo., and Salvation Army’s O’Fallon food pantry in O’Fallon, Mo.

 

Nutrition Education grants were presented to work with OFS’s nutrition education team and promote healthier food options that are high in nutritional value.  Recipients included F.A.S.T. and the Salvation Army’s O’Fallon food pantry.

 

“The pandemic has created many unforeseen emergencies – ranging from refrigeration breakdown to inoperable vehicles – which have a direct impact on our community partners’ ability to distribute food,” said OFS Executive Director Kristen Wild.  “This first-time grant of additional funding was designed to support our partners on the front lines as they continue to serve those experiencing food insecurity.”

 

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. that provides free food, nutrition education and innovative programs proven to reduce food insecurity. With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food. The agency provides food and services to nearly 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – one-third of whom are children – through a network of 330 community partners in the city of St. Louis plus 27 Missouri and Illinois counties.  For more information, call (314) 726-5355 or visit Operation Food Search.

Business World

Operation Food Search Awarded More Than $1.4 Million

Mar 12, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Operation Food Search, #Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, #St. Louis County Coronavirus Aid

(St. Louis, Mo., March 11, 2021) Operation Food Search (OFS), a non-profit hunger relief organization, recently received $1,435,000 from the St. Louis County Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act fund. This is the third round of CARES Act funding the nonprofit has secured since June of 2020, bringing the grand total to $4,722,406.

The first two grants totaled $3,287,406 and provided more than 1.2 million meals and 300,000 pounds of produce from June through the end of 2020. This third grant will provide over 600,000 meals and 280,000 pounds of fresh produce from now through June of 2021.

The funds will be used to distribute food to children and families who are experiencing food insecurity during this current climate. OFS will also utilize the money to hire five temporary staff who will help fulfill the logistics side of the additional food allocation.

The CARES Act funding will allow the continuation of the hunger relief agency’s work during a time of heightened demand in high needs communities. Shelf-stable family food and produce boxes will be provided at drive-through distributions held at St. Louis County partner sites including public schools, libraries, community centers and faith-based organizations.

OFS typically distributes food to 200,000 people per month in the bi-state region. The nonprofit’s free meal distribution program serves the region’s children, families, and seniors who need food assistance. For details about where families can receive food, visit OFS’s website.

“This third round of funding allows us to continue serving St. Louis County families as they endure the prolonged economic effects of COVID-19,” said OFS Executive Director Kristen Wild. “We are extremely grateful for these multiple grants that enable our agency to provide food access through our partner distribution sites.”

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. that provides free food, nutrition education and innovative programs proven to reduce food insecurity. With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food. The agency provides food and services to nearly 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – one-third of whom are children – through a network of 330 community partners in the city of St. Louis plus 27 Missouri and Illinois counties. For more information, call (314) 726-5355 or visit Operation Food Search.

Business World

Operation Food Search Nutrition Manager Named State Policy Representative

Mar 2, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Carmen Berry, #Operation Food Search

Carmen Berry selected to serve on the Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Board

 

(St. Louis, Mo., March 1, 2021) — Carmen Berry, Manager of Nutrition Education Programs at Operation Food Search (OFS), was recently appointed as State Policy Representative for the Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MOAND) board.

 

As a member of the public policy team, Berry is responsible for tracking state legislative issues relevant to nutrition and health while establishing relationships with key legislators.  She will handle communication with members regarding current legislative issues that affect Missouri nutrition and dietetics technicians.

 

The Missouri Academy—which is the largest group of registered, licensed dietitians in the state of Missouri—is the advocate of the dietetic profession serving the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition, health and wellbeing.  For more information, visit MOAND.

 

“This is the perfect opportunity to stay informed about new legislative information that affects the dietetics profession,” said Berry.  “This role complements my background and experience while enabling me to learn more about health policies that surround food and nutrition.”

 

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. that provides free food, nutrition education and innovative programs proven to reduce food insecurity.  With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food.  The agency provides food and services to 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – one-third of whom are children – through a network of 330 community partners in 27 Missouri and Illinois counties and the city of St. Louis.  For more information, call (314) 726-5355 or visit Operation Food Search.

Business World

Operation Food Search Names New Board of Directors Chair

Feb 24, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Alan Schultz, #Lisa Pelikan, #Operation Food Search

Alan Schultz replaces Lisa Pelikan, who served as chairperson for three years

(St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 23, 2021) — Operation Food Search (OFS), a non-profit hunger relief organization, recently appointed Alan Schultz as the Chair of its Board of Directors.  In this position, Schultz will provide strategic leadership, advisement and support.  He will work directly with the nonprofit’s Executive Director, as well as develop and manage relationships with funders, partners and other stakeholders.

Schultz is the Head of Project Procurement in North America for Bayer.  He replaces Lisa Pelikan, who served as Chair of the Board for three years and will continue as a board member for an additional three-year term.

“I’m inspired by the work Operation Food Search has accomplished in my three years on the board of directors, and it’s an honor to have the opportunity to serve as board chair,” said Schultz.  “The mission of healing hunger is meaningful to me, and it has never been more important than it is now to ensure children and families have access to quality nutrition and resources that help them put food on the table.”

“Alan has been an instrumental board resource during the pandemic, so it is with great anticipation that we look forward to all he will accomplish as our new chair,” said Operation Food Search Executive Director Kristen Wild.  “Alan has the leadership qualities we need to ensure the momentum we have achieved with both our committee members and community partners.”  Wild added that OFS is grateful to Pelikan whose work “created many opportunities throughout the years and positioned our organization to move forward under Alan’s guidance.”

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. that provides free food, nutrition education and innovative programs proven to reduce food insecurity.  With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food.  The agency provides food and services to 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – one-third of whom are children – through a network of 330 community partners in 27 Missouri and Illinois counties and the city of St. Louis.  For more information, call (314) 726-5355 or visit Operation Food Search.

Business World

Operation Food Search to Host 28h Annual Golf Tournament

Feb 19, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Heal Hunger golf tournament, #Operation Food Search

(St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 18, 2021) — Operation Food Search (OFS), a non-profit hunger relief organization, will host its 28th annual Swing to Heal Hunger golf tournament on Mon., Oct. 4 with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11 a.m.  The tournament will be held at WingHaven Country Club, St. Louis’ only Nicklaus-designed course, located at 7777 Winghaven Blvd. in O’Fallon, Mo.

Tickets – which are $350 per golfer or $1,400 per team of four golfers – include 18 holes with a golf cart, golf goodie bag, lunch, dinner and an auction.  Proceeds will go toward ending childhood hunger and family food insecurity in the St. Louis bi-state region.

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. that provides free food, nutrition education and innovative programs proven to reduce food insecurity.  With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food.  The agency provides food and services to 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – one-third of whom are children – through a network of 330 community partners in 27 Missouri and Illinois counties and the city of St. Louis.

For ticket details or to become a sponsor, call (314) 726-5355 or visit Operation Food Search.