Who Can Visit?
Operation Food Search is Missouri's largest independent food bank. It doesn't hand out food directly to individuals at its warehouse. Instead, it collects and distributes food to a network of more than 600 community partner agencies, including food pantries, shelters, and other community sites, which then pass food on to the people they serve.
If you're looking for food assistance, call the 24-hour Hunger Hotline at (314) 726-5355 or use the Find Food Map on the OFS website to find a nearby partner pantry or agency.
Food & Essentials
OFS sources both perishable and non-perishable food, with a focus on nutrient-dense items and fresh produce whenever possible. Shelf-stable goods are also a key part of what flows through the warehouse. Food is collected from food drives, discounted purchases, and donations from grocery stores, manufacturers, and distributors. OFS also recovers leftover prepared food from hospitals, universities, and sports venues, and runs a gleaning program to rescue fresh food from farms that would otherwise go unharvested.
How to Pick Up
Food isn't distributed directly to individuals at the Operation Food Search warehouse. Donated food is sorted at OFS and sent to its partner agencies. OFS also gets food directly to schools and other organizations, and sometimes uses a drive-through distribution model for community events.
The OFS MetroMarket is a mobile market that takes fresh, affordable food directly into communities with limited grocery access. Unlike free food distribution, the MetroMarket uses a customer model that lets community members shop at prices well below retail. Visit ofsmetromarket.org/schedule for the current outdoor schedule.
Additional Support
Beyond emergency food distribution, OFS runs several programs to address hunger more broadly:
- Operation Backpack provides weekly sacks of kid-friendly, shelf-stable food to students so they have nutrition through the weekend.
- Summer Meals connects kids with free nutritious meals when school is out.
- AfterSchool ReFuel delivers nutritious snacks to help kids stay focused into the evening.
- Nutrition Education and cooking classes through the Teaching Kitchen help families prepare healthy food on a budget.
- OFS also works on policy and advocacy to push for systemic changes that address the root causes of hunger.
Ways to Give
OFS welcomes donations of food and money. Every dollar donated provides $6 in food and services.
Food donations:
- Non-perishable items can be dropped off any time in the white donation bin outside the warehouse at 1644 Lotsie Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132.
- Perishable donations can be dropped off at the warehouse Monday through Friday from 12 to 4 p.m.
- For urgent or large-quantity donations, email donatefood@operationfoodsearch.org or call (314) 726-5355. OFS can also arrange pickups from your facility.
- Businesses including restaurants, grocery stores, manufacturers, farmers, and wholesalers can arrange food donation partnerships. Contact Ellen Reed-Fox at Ellen.ReedFox@OperationFoodSearch.org or (314) 451-1950.
Money donations:
- Donate online at the OFS donations page.
- Monthly giving, matching gifts, donor-advised funds, stock gifts, and giving circles are all available.
- Checks can be mailed to 1644 Lotsie Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132.
How to Join the Team?
OFS welcomes volunteers with a big heart and a desire to help fight hunger. Volunteer opportunities include food distribution, nutrition education, special events, gleaning, and MetroMarket shifts.
To get started, visit the OFS Volunteer Hub to create an account, sign up for opportunities, and track your hours. For questions, email Volunteer@OperationFoodSearch.org or call (314) 944-6151.