View as Webpage

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. 

Read the full story →

FOX 2 joined United Way of Greater St. Louis for Nexstar’s Founder’s Day of Caring on June 12, 2026, a nationwide event marking Nexstar’s 30‑year anniversary, with a focus on tackling food insecurity through partnership with Operation Food Search and an internal food drive.

Read the full story →

Celebrate America's Birthday with a St. Louis Tradition

We're grateful to celebrate America's birthday with one of our longtime partners, Schnucks, and one of St. Louis' most iconic desserts. Join us on Thursday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Des Peres Schnucks for slices of a 250-pound Gooey Butter Cake.

Slices are $2.50 each, with proceeds benefiting Operation Food Search. You're also welcome to make an additional donation to help provide food for neighbors facing hunger. Any leftover cake will be donated to one of our pantry partners, ensuring every slice does some good.



We hope to see you at Schnucks, 12332 Manchester Rd. in Des Peres on July 2 to celebrate the Fourth with a hometown favorite while helping nourish our community!

Our Annual Golf Tournament Is Just Two Weeks Away!

Join us on July 13 for a fun day of golf at the prestigious Norwood Hills Country Club. Whether you sign up with a foursome or become a sponsor, every swing helps OFS fight hunger across the St. Louis region.

Event Details:

Monday, July 13, 2026

Norwood Hills Country Club

Lunch @ 11 a.m., Tee Time @ Noon

Dinner and evening event hosted by St. Louis Sports Broadcaster Tim McKernan

Missed a past issue? Browse our newsletters at OperationFoodSearch.org.→

Ways to Give

Donate

Give a one-time gift or become a Hunger Healer with recurring donations.

Give online here.

Honor Someone with a Gift

Recognize someone special while helping solve the problem of hunger in a directly impactful way. 

Learn more here.

Get Your Gift Matched

Search for your company to see if it matches gifts or volunteer hours.

Search here.

Plan a Legacy Gift

Include OFS in your estate plan and help ensure a better future.

Learn more here.

Give Us a Follow

Join our social community and help spread the word about OFS and our mission to create a future free from hunger.

Committed to Excellence

Operation Food Search is certified and accredited for its accountability, transparency and adherence to strong and comprehensive industry standards.