St. Louis: Operation Food Search (OFS), a non-profit hunger relief organization, recently received $1,435,000 from the St. Louis County Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act fund.  This is the third round of CARES Act funding the nonprofit has secured since June of 2020, bringing the grand total to $4,722,406.

The first two grants totaled $3,287,406 and provided more than 1.2 million meals and 300,000 pounds of produce from June through the end of 2020.  This third grant will provide over 600,000 meals and 280,000 pounds of fresh produce from now through June of 2021.

The funds will be used to distribute food to children and families who are experiencing food insecurity during this current climate.  OFS will also utilize the money to hire five temporary staff who will help fulfill the logistics side of the additional food allocation.

The CARES Act funding will allow the continuation of the hunger relief agency’s work during a time of heightened demand in high needs communities.  Shelf-stable family food and produce boxes will be provided at drive-through distributions held at St. Louis County partner sites including public schools, libraries, community centers and faith-based organizations.

OFS typically distributes food to 200,000 people per month in the bi-state region.  The nonprofit’s free meal distribution program serves the region’s children, families, and seniors who need food assistance.  For details about where families can receive food, visit OFS’s website.

“This third round of funding allows us to continue serving St. Louis County families as they endure the prolonged economic effects of COVID-19,” said OFS Executive Director Kristen Wild.  “We are extremely grateful for these multiple grants that enable our agency to provide food access through our partner distribution sites.”