Community Resources

Helpful Information During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

As always, Operation Food Search is committed to providing immediate food assistance to those in need. In addition, we tackle the root causes of hunger through our Nutrition Education programs and Policy and Advocacy work.

See the links below to learn more about valuable resources in our community.

Find Child Meals

Families can access free summer meals for kids ages 18 and younger. To find child meal sites in the St. Louis region, click the button below to view the map.

View Child Meals Map

Food Pantries

There are three ways to find our Community Food Partner Agencies nearest you:

  • Call our Hunger Hotline – Call (314) 726-5355 x1 for nearby locations.
  • Text for Locations – Text your zip code to (785) 503-3310.
  • View the Map – Search the map for locations near you.

Want to know what to expect when you visit? Watch our video tutorial on visiting a Community Food Partner Agency (pantry) HERE IN ENGLISH and HERE IN SPANISH.

School Year 2021-22 Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)

Students who were eligible for free or reduced price meals but missed out on meals during the 2021-22 school year due to COVID-related absences or virtual learning may be eligible to receive Pandemic EBT (P-EBT). School year P-EBT is a grocery benefit to help cover the cost of COVID-related missed school meals from the previous 2021-22 school year for students in eligible low-income families.
For this phase of P-EBT families do not need to apply, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will work with schools to determine eligibility and issue benefits. 

To learn more, check out our P-EBT FAQ.

SY 21-22 P-EBT FAQ

Medicaid

  • Participants will not have any co-pays for COVID-19 testing.
  • Medicaid is not ending anyone’s coverage, unless you request to be removed or you move to another state, until the end of the federal public health emergency.
  • Medicaid is currently not doing annual reviews of eligibility until the end of the public health emergency declared by the federal government.
  • Medicaid has continued coverage of telehealth and teledentistry so participants can meet with their health care providers over the phone.
  • Community members may qualify for health coverage if you have tested positive for COVID, meet income requirements, and are between the ages of 19 and 64.  
  • After Missouri voters passed Medicaid expansion on August 4, 2020, individuals who earn less than $18,000 and families of four who earn less than $36,000 now qualify for healthcare coverage.
Medicaid Resources

SNAP or Food Stamps

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers a monthly benefit to help those in need buy food and food products. To apply or manage your SNAP benefits visit the Department of Social Services (DSS) website.

  • It is required to complete an interview if you are a new applicant or you get SNAP benefits and receive a recertification form. Applicants will get a call from Missouri Family Support Division to complete their interview after submitting an application or recertification forms.
  • If you miss the SNAP interview:

–   Call DSS back at 855-823-4908 (calling earlier in the day is best).

–   Visit the DSS website to schedule an appointment for an in person interview.

–   Visit your local FSD Resource Center to complete your interview in person.

–   NOTE: Before visiting your local Resource Center, check their hours of operation online.

  • SNAP participants can now use their EBT card to order groceries online through participating retailers.
      • Missouri SNAP Online retailers: ALDI, Amazon, and Wal-Mart, Cameron Market, Hays Supermarket, Sliced Bread Market, Sweet Springs Market, and Woods Supermarkets.
SNAP Resources

WIC & Formula Shortage Info

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides food assistance, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and health care referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. Fathers, grandparents, guardians, and foster parents may also apply for benefits for the children living in their household.

  • To apply for WIC benefits, you must contact a WIC local agency. If you would like help finding a local agency or enrolling in WIC, call the Missouri WIC Participant Support Line: 800-392-8209 or send an email to WICInfo@health.mo.gov. 
  • WIC services may now be offered by phone, drive-up, mail or online. Call your local WIC agency to see how they’re operating.
  • The WIC cash value benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables is temporarily increased through September 2022. Amounts are increased to $24 per month for children, $43 per month for pregnant and postpartum participants and $47 per month for breastfeeding participants.
  • WIC participants are now offered an expanded variety of food substitutions when approved products are out of stock. See the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Covid-19 for WIC Families FAQ for more details.

Formula Shortage Info:

  • Due to the nationwide formula shortage, the Department of Health and Human Services launched a new online hub — HHS.gov/formula — to help parents and caregivers navigate their baby formula options. Folks can connect to community resources, preliminary recommendations from physicians & clinicians, and more — all in multiple languages.
  • If you are using WIC or are possibly WIC eligible and experiencing difficulties finding formula, contact your WIC clinic. They may be able to connect you with resources.
    • Visit the WIC Resources page for the latest WIC formula flexibilities.
WIC Resources

School Meals

Your child(ren) may be eligible for free or reduced price meals at school. Even if your school is offering free breakfast and lunch to all students during the 2021-2022 school year, families are still encouraged to fill out a Free and Reduced Price Meal Application.  A new application must be filled out every year to qualify.   

There are several ways to apply for free and reduced price school meals: 

  1. Some schools offer an online application. Click here to check for your child’s school district and submit your application through the online portal.
  2. Go to your child’s school district’s website and check for an application, likely on the nutrition services page.
  3. Contact your school district directly by phone or e-mail to receive an application. 
School Meals Resources

Additional Resources

  • For information regarding COVID-19 testing sites near you, please visit here.
  • For information regarding vaccination and eligibility for vaccines, please visit here.
  • COVID-19 pandemic has been a stressful time for many families. For mental health resources, please visit here.
  • For information regarding Missouri Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and locations, please visit here.
  • For information about getting help for addiction, please visit here.
  • Follow @OFSFoodAdvocate on Twitter to get updates on our policy & advocacy priorities, find useful resources and information about public benefit programs.