Operation Food Search Kicks Off Summer Meals Program

Operation Food Search (OFS), a non-profit hunger relief organization, recently began its Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which is funded by the USDA to ensure children ages 18 years of age and younger continue receiving nutritious meals when school is not in session.

The summer meal program runs through Aug. 10 with mobile and stationary service extended to now operate Mon. through Sat. between the hours of 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In 2012, OFS sponsored SFSP at a single location and served 5,000 meals to children. In the summer of 2016, the introduction of the mobile meals concept proved successful in breaking down transportation barriers and increasing access to healthy food. The organization’s 2018 goal is to serve 100,000 meals at a combination of stationary and mobile sites throughout the St. Louis region.

This year the mobile meal vans will serve 33 locations via three routes. There will be a total of 30 stationary meal service locations such as the International Institute located at 3401 Arsenal St., as well as at both St. Louis County and Public Libraries. OFS’ meal service provides a daily dose of nutrition, along with a variety of games, arts, crafts, and STEM projects.

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization that provides food and nutrition education. With a strategic focus aimed at ending childhood hunger, OFS empowers families with a range of programs and services proven to reduce food insecurity and increase access to healthy and affordable food. The agency helps feed more than 200,000 individuals on a monthly basis – one-third of which are children – through a network of 330 community partners in 31 Missouri and Illinois counties.

To find free meals, text “Food” to 877-877 and receive a text back with the address and program information for the nearest sites.

Operation Food Search is located at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. For more information, call (314) 726-5355 or visit http://www.OperationFoodSearch.org.