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MEDIA RESOURCES AND PRESS KIT

Missouri’s Largest Independent Food Bank

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a local, independent hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve more than 200,000 people every month through a network of more than 600 partners in 24 counties in Missouri and Illinois. As Missouri’s largest independent food bank, we use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.

For media inquiries, contact Lisa Brown, Senior Director of Communications, at Lisa.Brown@operationfoodsearch.org or 314-944-6159.

What We Do

Our work is divided into three pillars that align with our strategy to alleviate food insecurity in families and individuals.

Woman holding baby as she shops for fresh food

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Child Meals

OFS provides nearly 800,000 free meals every year to kids 18 and younger at more than 400 locations. In partnership with schools, federal nutrition programs and other community sites, we ensure children at risk of hunger have the nutrition they need to thrive. LEARN MORE

MetroMarket

Our mobile farmers markets bring affordable produce, meat and dry goods to areas with limited access to fresh, healthy food. The innovative approach uses a customer model to empower the community to shop at significantly lower prices than retail. LEARN MORE

Pantry Network

OFS rescues food from grocers and retailers, then sorts, stores and distributes it through hundreds of partners, including pantries, churches, shelters and other community sites. This network enables us to provide millions of pounds of food every year to those who need it most. LEARN MORE

Gleaning

Our Gleaning program rescues fresh food from farms, orchards and community gardens that would otherwise be wasted. Produce is harvested in the fields by volunteers and staff or picked up after the harvest and is quickly distributed to food-insecure individuals and families in the region. LEARN MORE

Man teaching others how to cook

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Nutrition Education

Operation Food Search offers in-person and virtual classes to help individuals and families make nutritious, affordable meals using practical cooking skills. We work to improve food literacy, increase access to healthy food, and foster self-sufficiency. LEARN MORE

Teaching Kitchen

Our teaching kitchen includes eight stations where participants cook alongside chefs and classmates for hands-on learning. Classes focus on fresh, simple, and budget-friendly meals that are quick, healthy, and easy to make at home. LEARN MORE

Resources & Demos

Expert cooking demonstrations and video resources  and recipes provide practical nutrition tips for people facing food insecurity or managing health on a budget. LEARN MORE

Missouri state capitol

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Policy & Government

OFS’s Government & Community Relations team advocates for policies in Missouri, Illinois, and nationally that help families access food and live healthier lives. LEARN MORE

Community Relations

OFS engages individuals, organizations, businesses, and local growers to ensure our advocacy and research reflect community priorities and the needs of the people we serve. LEARN MORE

Garden Collective

In partnership with EarthDance Organic Farm School, OFS’s Garden Collective equips pantry staff and volunteers at our 170 agency partners with the knowledge and tools to grow fresh produce and expand access to healthy food. LEARN MORE

Food Is Medicine

OFS’s Food Is Medicine programs provide nutrient-dense foods to improve health and reduce healthcare costs. Our Nourishing Healthy Starts program supports pregnant individuals, while Fresh Rx: Community Nutrition serves food-insecure seniors with chronic conditions. LEARN MORE

Logos and Brand Standards

Full-Color Logo

One-Color Logo

Brand Kit

Photos and Video

B-Roll and Photos for Download

OFS PHOTOS

OFS B-ROLL

METROMARKET PHOTOS & B-ROLL

Subject Matter Experts

Kristen Wild

President & CEO

Kristen can address the full scope of OFS’s work, offering insights on current needs in the region, cross-sector partnerships, and OFS’s strategic approach to ending food insecurity.

Carlton Adams

Chief Operations Officer

Carlton can provide expertise on logistics, procurement, and the operational systems that drive Operation Food Search's efficient and equitable food distribution efforts.

Melissa Weissler

Chief Program Officer

Melissa is available to speak about OFS’s client-facing programs, including child meals, nutrition education and Food Is Medicine initiatives, as well as key partnerships with schools and health systems.

Ellen Reed-Fox

Chief Development Officer

Ellen can speak to fundraising strategy, donor engagement, philanthropic partnerships, and the role of communications in advancing OFS’s mission.

Darcella Craven

Government & Community Relations Director

With a background in regulatory advocacy, nonprofit management and small business support, Darcella can speak to OFS’s advocacy priorities and policy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.

Jessica Murphy

MetroMarket Senior Manager

Jessica is available to discuss food access challenges and MetroMarket’s innovative approach to bringing affordable, nutritious groceries to areas with little access to healthy food.

Jason Goldman

Culinary Nutrition Manager

Jason can speak from a culinary perspective about nutrition education, recipe development, and empowering families to cook affordable, healthy meals with confidence.

For media inquiries, contact Lisa Brown, Senior Director of Communications, at Lisa.Brown@operationfoodsearch.org or 314-944-6159.

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