Working to end hunger as we know it in St. Louis

The Challenge

Operation Food Search (OFS) is committed to achieving real and holistic solutions to end hunger as we know it in the St. Louis region. OFS recognized that, limited by the constraints of an outdated, tightly crammed 25,000 square foot facility, a vision of this scope and magnitude would require innovative and comprehensive solutions.

The Solution

HRR conducted a comprehensive pre-campaign feasibility study to test a $7 million goal and moved forward with a capital campaign to fund construction of a brand new 45,000 square foot, specially designed warehouse space. The new facility houses expanded loading bays, ample freezer and refrigeration, as well as new technologies to ensure safe handling and manage distribution of perishable foods. To ensure maximum community outreach and collaboration while offering as many families as possible access to nutritious food, OFS expanded training, event and work spaces, included a new fully operational, commercial kitchen, and expanded its many service programs. 

The Impact

The project is completed. OFS is now equipped to maintain food quality and safety in its distribution process, with new technologies to manage an increasing volume of perishable items. OFS is now expanding nutritional education programs to help fight the growing issues of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

The campaign helped to create the platform for OFS to be St. Louis’ thought leader and advocate for our most vulnerable citizens. The campaign helped to position OFS to be more than a food bank, but a regional community health organization.