Hunger Doesn’t Stop When Children Go Back to School

As summer winds down and kids go back to school, hunger doesn’t disappear. For thousands of local families, the struggle to put food on the table continues—even when school meals are available. That’s why Operation Food Search shifts from providing summer meals to two targeted strategies designed to support children and families during the school year: Afterschool Meals and Operation Backpack.

The complementary programs fill different needs for kids facing food insecurity. Afterschool Meals addresses hunger during the week, providing a nutritious “super snack” to help kids stay energized for homework or play—and in case they don’t get a full dinner. Children 18 and under can access the meals at libraries and other community sites, at no charge and with no questions asked.

Operation Backpack meets the need for nutrition over the weekend, providing a sack of four kid-friendly meals to take home from school. These sacks are discreetly handed out by school staff and teachers who are better able to identify those in need. 87% of school personnel report having seen a positive impact on the families of students who participate in Operation Backpack.

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Community Support Fuels Food Drives as Tackle Hunger Kicks Off

This summer, our community showed up in a big way, answering the call for our most-needed, shelf-stable food items. At Shop Out Hunger on Aug. 15, shoppers gave generously at local Schnucks, Dierbergs and Straub’s Markets, where they purchased extra items for donation. Nearly $10,000 in cash and more than 70,000 lbs. of food was brought in—enough to provide 78,525 meals for families facing food insecurity.

“It’s amazing what we can do in one day, with the support of the community,” says Laura Gregory, OFS volunteer and food drive manager. “The food collected goes out immediately and continues to nourish our neighbors in the days, weeks and months ahead.”

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Sweet and Simple Summer Dessert Recipe Featured on KMOV

OFS Nutrition Education Manager Chef Jason Goldman joined KMOV in their kitchen, sponsored by More for Less Remodeling, to share a fluffy, fruit-studded French dessert called clafoutis (klah-foo-TEE) that comes together in three simple steps.

Watch the segment →