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GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

At Operation Food Search, ending hunger means more than meeting today’s need. It means improving the systems that create it. Our Government & Community Relations team works with lawmakers, agencies and community partners across Missouri and Illinois, and at the federal level, to advance policies that help families put food on the table and build healthier lives.

Our work centers on three pillars that guide how we engage policymakers, support community partners, and empower families with the information and tools they need to advocate for a healthier, more equitable future.

GUIDING PILLARS

LEGISLATION
FOOD SYSTEMS
COMMUNITY RELATIONS

LEGISLATION

LEGISLATION

OFS is at the table where decisions about hunger and food security are made — briefing legislators and partnering with coalitions across Missouri and Illinois. From our local communities to the state capitols to Washington D.C., our advocacy team tracks the bills and rules that affect the families we serve, and works to make sure their voices are part of the conversation.

Have a question about our advocacy work, or want to get involved? Contact our Government & Community Relations team at Advocacy@operationfoodsearch.org.

TAX POLICY

Smart tax policy helps nonprofits, food banks and local agencies do more for the communities they serve. OFS advocates for tax credits, funding streams and grant programs that support hunger relief and food security work across our region.

Explore current tax policies or legislation:

FOOD SYSTEMS

FOOD SYSTEMS

A strong, local food system is one of the most powerful tools we have against hunger. OFS works to strengthen the connections between farmers, food businesses, and families who need access to fresh, healthy food. Advocating for policies that support local agriculture, food recovery and community-based food access are all our focus.

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE

Programs like SNAP and WIC are a lifeline for families working to put food on the table. OFS advocates to protect and strengthen public assistance programs, reduce barriers to enrollment, and ensure these programs reach the people who need them most.

Apply for SNAP in Missouri

Missouri Department of Social Services →

Apply for SNAP in Illinois

IDHS: Cash, SNAP & Medical Assistance →

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Empowering the community with clear information, practical tools and opportunities to engage in advocacy is how we build partner capacity. By sharing district level data, elevating lived experiences and supporting community participation in the policy process, we are helping your voice make change.

Lasting change happens when farmers, agencies, and communities are part of the conversation. Our Community Relations work brings partners together through round-table discussions, hands-on training and ongoing collaboration to strengthen the local food system from the ground up.

If you’d like to learn more about our upcoming trainings and discussions, please contact our Government & Community Relations team at Advocacy@operationfoodsearch.org.

ADVOCACY NEWSLETTER
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ADVOCACY UPDATES

Stay current on legislation, opinion pieces and conversations shaping food security policy in Missouri, Illinois and beyond. View all advocacy updates here.