OFS’s Gleaning Season Tops 16,000 Pounds of Food Harvested

Some of the freshest produce in our region never makes it off the farm. Sometimes farmers have grown more they can sell, the produce has the wrong size or shape for retail standards, or there’s simply surplus crop. To remedy this, the OFS Gleaning Program rescues thousands of pounds of produce every year and makes sure it gets onto the dinner tables of people facing food insecurity.

So far this year, more than eight tons of fresh fruits and vegetables have been harvested from local farms, orchards, and community gardens by OFS volunteers and staff. That reflects an increase of 55 percent over last year, made possible by an ever-widening circle of partners and an increase in donations from existing partners.

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Build-A-Benefit:
Your FUNdraiser, Your Way

OFS supporters can be highly creative in the ways they raise funds to fuel our mission. One athlete ran 100 miles through Forest Park, raising more than $35,000 to help heal hunger. Many others have hosted trivia nights, requested donations rather than birthday gifts, and even contributed the profits from their lemonade stands. The size of the fundraiser varies greatly, but the commitment to helping others is always there.

These Community FUNdraisers are events hosted by people who care about making sure local families have food on the table. And their creativity is as impressive as their generosity.

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Heavy Metal Band Turns Up the Volume—And the Impact

French heavy metal band Gojira performed Sept. 18 in St. Louis, with all proceeds from the show going to Operation Food Search.

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Food Security & Independence for Older Adults—Understand Proposition S

As our parents and grandparents get older, most want the same simple things: to stay in their own home, prepare meals in their own kitchen, and remain connected to the people and places they care about. Sometimes, the support that makes that possible is smaller than we realize—a nutritious meal, a ride to an appointment, help with household tasks or a community program that keeps them healthy and engaged.

At Operation Food Search, we see every day how access to nutritious food can help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. That is why conversations about supporting seniors matter. Proposition S would establish a dedicated senior services fund in St. Louis County to support programs that promote health, nutrition, safety, and independence for residents age 60 and older.

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Help Keep Children and Families Warm this Winter

The 25th annual Warners’ Warm-Up Coat Drive will be held from Oct. 19 – Nov. 1. This partnership with First Things First and Kurt and Brenda Warner collects thousands of coats each year, which Operation Food Search distributes to the community through our network of agencies.

It’s never been easier to donate a new or gently-used coat to help keep someone warm this winter! There are more than 100 drop-off locations throughout the region, and the online option provides a coat to a child for every $15 donation!

Find drop off locations, online donation options and more at the link below!

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