Operation Food Search

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization 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. As Missouri’s largest independent food bank, OFS provides food and services to more than 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis through a network of more than 600 community partners in 24 Missouri and Illinois counties.

More than 40 years ago, dedicated members of a coalition of Catholic, Protestant and Jewish faiths went in search of food for the hungry. What started as the St. Louis United Hunger Effort became Operation Food Search in 1981. Since then, OFS has worked tirelessly to fill a vital need in the community. Now we are going beyond searching for food—we are searching for solutions.

At OFS, we work beyond immediate food assistance to address the underlying causes of hunger. We empower families with skills and tools to help them prepare healthy food on a budget. We educate others about food insecurity and advocate for policy changes on the state and federal levels. We provide innovative programs designed to improve the overall health of individuals and communities and create lasting change.