Nutrition Education

As part of our mission to alleviate the burden of hunger, Operation Food Search works to not only distribute food to those in need, but also to provide evidence-based nutrition education to residents of the St. Louis region.

Operation Food Search’s Nutrition Education Department is staffed by professionals in the fields of dietetics, public health and culinary arts and offer a variety of educational opportunities. Volunteers are an integral part of the success of our nutrition education programs. 

Classes are being taught virtually and in-person. 

• Hands-On Cooking Courses: The three-week course empowers families at risk of hunger with skills, knowledge and confidence to make healthy, delicious and affordable meals at home. With a class size of 8-15 participants, the course meets for two hours once a week for three weeks.

• Cooking Demonstration: A one-time event that creates an interest in healthy eating for broad audiences in diverse community settings through simple recipes and helpful tips. This type of service can be as elaborate as a step-by-step cooking presentation to a simple recipe sampling. 

• Interactive Cooking Class: A one-time interactive cooking class that empowers up to 15 participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make healthy, delicious and affordable meals. Participants will learn hands-on how to prepare a healthy recipe or two while learning meal preparation techniques and healthy eating tips.

In-person nutrition education volunteers must pass a background check. Virtual and in-person nutrition education volunteers must complete some basic training in order to participate.