Momvocates promotional photo

Momvocates are champions for health and nutrition safety net programs within Operation Food Search and in the state of Missouri.

These women are using their voices to increase understanding among lawmakers about food insecurity and advocate for policies that improve health and food access. Momvocates seek to build a healthier future for all families through advocacy and policy change.

This inaugural cohort of Momvocates includes graduates of our Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts program. The program connects families who are experiencing food insecurity with fresh, local food and resources for a healthy household. We partner with healthcare providers and insurers to help families reach their health goals, support the community and reduce health care costs.

The powerful leadership of these Momvocates is necessary as we reimagine a system that centers those most impacted and emphasizes equity.

Meet the Momvocates

Local Mom helping OFS fight food insecurity

Tesha Ajayi

Tesha, or “Lady T” as she’s known to her fellow Momvocates, is the mom of four children, including two daughters and twin sons. Lady T and her husband are expecting their fifth child very soon! In her spare time, Lady T enjoys cooking, writing and spending time with her family.

Mother volunteer with OFS

Jessica Lester

Jessica works as a property manager and is the mom of three boys. She was pregnant with her youngest son, Liam, while she was in the Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts program. Jessica was one of the first women enrolled in the Fresh Rx program and has stayed involved with OFS ever since. Her son Liam turned two in January.

Local Mom dedicated to alleviating hunger with OFS

Ranisha Martin

Ranisha lives in St. Louis with her husband and two kids, ages six months and three years old. Ranisha was pregnant with her youngest, Marlei, while she was in the Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts program. Ranisha works for USPS and is excited to be part of Momvocates.

Mom and child advocating for Nutrition safety

Daven Noldon

Daven is the mom of three kids, ages one, 18 and 20. Daven delivered her youngest and only daughter, Journee, while she was in the Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts program. Daven works as a CNA at Sunrise Senior Living and currently lives in St. Louis with her three children, her mom, her sister and 5 dogs.

Local Mom and advocate for Nutrition Safety for OFS

Kaiondra Webster

Kaiondra, or “KK,” is the mom to four kids, ages 21, 18, 12 and one. She lives with her husband and kids in Hazelwood and works at an independent living center in St. Charles. KK delivered her son, Kayden, while she was in the Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts program. Since graduating from the program, she has stayed involved with OFS and is looking forward to being a part of Momvocates.

Interested In Learning More About the Momvocates?

Contact Sarah Ritter at sarah.ritter@operationfoodsearch.org.