45 Years of Dedication. A Future Built Together.
1981–2026
From a produce pickup in 1979 to $32 million in food distributed — and we're just getting started.
More than 45 years ago, a coalition of faith communities came together with a shared purpose: to find food for neighbors in need. What began as a search became something more. Today, Operation Food Search is not only responding to hunger — we are building solutions that address it at every level.
Where It All Began
In 1979, a former priest named Henry Leissing stopped by Roger Dierberg's grocery store with an idea: take the produce that didn't get sold and give it to people who were hungry. Henry began picking up produce twice a week and delivering it to Hi-Pointe pantry in St. Louis City. From there, the effort grew into what is now Operation Food Search.
That original commitment to rescuing food for the benefit of those in need still shapes our work today. Through our growing network of pantries and community sites, OFS provides food to more than 200,000 people each month across 24 counties in Missouri and Illinois.
Then & Now
1981 → 2026
|
Operating Budget $75,000 ↓ $10 Million+ |
Food Distributed $400,000 ↓ $32 Million+ |
Staff A Handful of Volunteers ↓ 57 Employees |
On May 13, 1981, community leaders formally incorporated Operation Food Search as a nonprofit. Forty-five years later, we are continuing to meet the ever-increasing need for food while building long-term solutions to the problem of hunger.
From Food Rescue to Lasting Solutions
Our work today reflects a more complex world and a more comprehensive approach to food access:
- Rescuing and distributing food through a growing network of partners and agencies
- Supporting children and families through programs like Operation Backpack and our agency food pantry network
- Expanding access to fresh, affordable food through MetroMarket
- Building knowledge and confidence through nutrition education
- Connecting food and health through innovative "food is medicine" programs
Together, these efforts reduce barriers, strengthen access, and support long-term health and well-being for individuals and families.
Adaptability Is Our Strength
In times of crisis and uncertainty, food becomes even more critical. From the COVID-19 pandemic to devastating tornadoes and government shutdowns, Operation Food Search has been ready to respond quickly. By scaling operations, expanding distribution, forging new partnerships, and remaining innovative, we've ensured individuals and families have had the support they need, when they need it most.
During COVID-19, we scaled distribution rapidly, shifted to drive-through and grab-and-go models, partnered with schools and libraries to keep reaching children, and expanded support to families experiencing food insecurity for the first time.
As SNAP changes and economic disruptions hit, we increased food distribution through partner agencies and MetroMarket, connected individuals to available resources, and provided emergency food to workers and households facing income loss.
Following severe weather events, including tornadoes, we mobilized emergency food distribution, coordinated with partners to reach neighborhoods quickly, and adapted operations to deliver food where access had been disrupted.
No matter what uncertainty we face, our commitment remains the same: to ensure that everyone in our community can rely on consistent access to food and support.
“Being flexible in meeting the growing and ever-changing needs in the community is something Operation Food Search has accomplished for 45 years. As the demands for hunger relief continue to grow and shift, I know the resilience and commitment of the OFS team is up for the challenges that lie ahead.”
— Sunny Schaefer, Former OFS Executive Director (1995–2018)
The Next Chapter
Even after 45 years of progress, the need remains urgent. Rising food costs, changes to critical benefits, and persistent disparities in access continue to impact families across our region.
At the same time, we know more than ever about what works. By combining food access with education, healthcare partnerships, and advocacy, more families can put nutritious food on the table, improve their health, and build stability for the future.
Our vision is clear: a region where everyone can access the nutritious food they need to lead healthy lives. We couldn't do this without the dedication of our committed staff, selfless volunteers, loyal partners, and generous donors.
