The Trump administration confirmed over the weekend what advocates in Missouri have feared for weeks now: Due to the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP benefits will not go out November 1, leaving an estimated 650,000 state residents without their monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds. One in 10 Missourians rely on the program to help pay for their groceries.
Operation Food Search is now swinging into action. The St. Louis-based nonprofit has launched an “urgent food drive” this week out of City Foundry (3730 Foundry), aiming to get its coffers stocked up before what’s starting to feel like an inescapable surge of demand.
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“This is a moment that calls for collective action,” says Jane Calkins, donor engagement officer at Operation Food Search. “We’ve seen time and again that when the St. Louis community comes together, we can make an enormous difference. Every can, every box, every act of generosity counts.”
If you want to avoid getting out of your car, volunteers will be posted up at the roundabout (accessible from Vandeventer) during this Wednesday’s Live Art Market, which lasts from 5:30–8:30 p.m.
If that timing doesn’t work, there are plenty of other options: People are also encouraged to drop items off at Operation Food Search’s 24-hour donation bin in North County (1644 Lotsie, Overland); drop items in the donation barrels that are now set up around City Foundry or at other sites listed below; or organize their own drive. Operation Food Search offers support for organizations that want to collect items and suggests offices, retailers, churches, restaurants, and schools all make great sites. Interested parties are encouraged to indicate their interest online to get things started.
Here’s where Operation Food Search is now accepting donations:
City Foundry – Kitchen Bar
3730 Foundry Way, 63110
Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm, Sunday 11am-8pm
The Fattened Caf
3320 Cherokee Street, 63118
Wednesday 11-8 PM, Thursday 11-8 pm, Friday/Sat 11-9
STL Fusion Coworking
555 Washington Ave, Suite 310, 63101
9am-2pm
STL Style
3159 Cherokee Street, 63118
10am-5pm
WEPOWER
20 South Sarah Street, 63108
9am-5pm
Katie’s Pizza
751 Clark Avenue, 63102
11 am-10 pm Monday-Thursday, 11 am-11 pm Friday, 10 am-11pm Saturday, 10am-10pm Sunday
Here’s what Operation Food Search is now seeking from donors:
- Please, no glass containers or ramen noodles
- Pop-top cans are especially appreciated
- Light tuna or salmon (canned or packaged)
- Canned chicken or meat
- Soup, chili, or stews with meat and beans (“a meal in a can”)
- Canned fruit (in natural juices)
- Diced tomatoes or tomato paste
- Canned spaghetti sauces (low-sodium preferred)
- Canned beans (low-sodium preferred)
- Instant brown rice
- Whole-wheat pasta
- Boxed meal kits
- Canned vegetables
- Dried spices (chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, basil)
- Deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste
