Opportunities From: Operation Food Search

Join us at EarthDance Farm in Ferguson, MO. We will be harvesting peppers to share with families in need through Operation Food Search's network of partner agencies. EathDance Farm is a teaching farm, sharing the craft and science of organic farming with people from all walks of life. Their 14-acre historic farm provides a model of sustainable food production. Through their Organic Farm School programs, EarthDance cultivates food leaders alongside abundant fresh produce.

Gleaning is harvesting crops from farms and gardens that would otherwise go unused and donating them to individuals and families within Operation Food Search's network of food pantries. It is a great opportunity for volunteers to learn about our local food system and expand their knowledge around farming and gardening practices.

Dress Code: Wear layered, comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Be mindful of the weather forecast and dress accordingly: rain jackets, water resistant shoes like work boots or hiking shoes are recommended. Closed-toe shoes are required. Please no sandals or flip flops. Sun hats and sunscreen are helpful with staying cool.

Volunteers under the age of 16 are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult.

In order to distribute the large quantities of food safely and efficiently, we rely on packing boxes for distribution. We receive weekly donations of bread from Pepperidge Farms, which need to be checked for quality and sorted into variety boxes for our agency partners to receive. This position would require that you lift boxes of bread with varying weights on to pallets, as well as tape up the boxes needed to pack the bread in to. 

Physical requirements: This position requires lifting, bending, and standing for long periods of time. Candidate must be able to lift ~20 lbs., be on your feet for 2 hours and able to work in cold or warm conditions.

Setting: Position is located at Operation Food Search in the Volunteer Center. The VC does have some temperature control measures, but due to the large garage doors sitting open for distribution it is difficult to control the temperature during extreme conditions.

Training: Training for position will be conducted on-site.

In order to distribute the large quantities of food safely and efficiently, we rely on packing boxes for distribution. This position would require that you lift boxes of food and drinks with varying weights and sizes on to carts. Sorting the meat donations we receive is important to agencies that are not able to receive a certain type of meat, as well as making it easier to distribute. 

Physical requirements: This position requires lifting, bending, and standing for long periods of time. Candidate must be able to lift 20-40 lbs., be on your feet for 2 and able to work in cold or warm conditions. Candidate may be asked to pack inside large walk-in cooler.

Setting: Position is located at Operation Food Search in the distribution warehouse. The warehouse does have some temperature control measures, but due to the large garage doors sitting open for distribution it is difficult to control the temperature during extreme conditions.

Training: Training for position will be conducted on-site.

OFS hosts three in-person weekly events for our Nourishing Healthy Starts clients. As a volunteer, you’ll help parents engage in important classes while knowing their children are safe, entertained, and well cared for. Your support plays a key role in helping families build healthier, stronger futures. We’re looking for caring, responsible, and enthusiastic volunteers to assist with childcare during Nourishing Healthy Starts events.  

Responsibilities include: 

Supervise and engage with children, ranging from newborn to school-aged. 

Facilitate playtime, games, and activities like coloring and story time. 

Assist with snack or mealtime, prepared by OFS staff. 

Ensure a safe, welcoming, and fun environment. 

Ideal volunteers are patient, compassionate, and enjoy working with young children. Experience with childcare is helpful, but not required. We ask that volunteers commit to several sessions to help build rapport with children and families. 

A background check will be required.  

Interested volunteers must attend a training session prior to their first volunteer shift. Training will cover volunteer responsibilities and safety expectations.  

Training sessions will be held: Tuesdays 10am, Wednesdays 6pm, starting in September 2nd.The training will be virtual via Microsoft Teams. 

To register for a training session or learn more: 

Sign up for this opportunity and you will be contacted. A link to sign up for specific shifts will be provided to volunteers who commit to a training session and provide information for the background check. Training and background check must be complete prior to volunteering.  

Volunteer shifts are anticipated for: 

The second Wednesday of each month from10:30am-1:00pm 

The last Wednesday of each month 10:30am-1:00pm 

The third Thursday of each month from 5:30pm-8:00pm 

Help pack bags of fresh fruits and vegetables that will be delivered to people in the community who are experiencing illness and may have difficulty getting the nutrition they need.

Join us at Three Rivers Community Farm in Elsah, IL. We will be fresh produce to share with families in need through Operation Food Search's network of partner agencies. Three Rivers Farm has been growing vegetables and planting seedlings using organic growing methods for the Riverbend and St. Louis communities since 2007. They grow high quality, very clean, and a diverse array of produce . Their farm has become a community centered around good food, friendship and support, and a connection with the land that feeds us.

Gleaning is harvesting crops from farms and gardens that would otherwise go unused and donating them to individuals and families within Operation Food Search's network of food pantries. It is a great opportunity for volunteers to learn about our local food system and expand their knowledge around farming and gardening practices.

Dress Code:

Wear layered, comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Be mindful of the weather forecast and dress accordingly: rain jackets, water resistant shoes like work boots or hiking shoes are recommended. Closed-toe shoes are required. Please no sandals or flip flops. Sun hats and sunscreen are helpful with staying cool.

Volunteers under the age of 16 are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult.

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

The St. Louis MetroMarket is a non-profit mobile farmers market that serves St. Louis area food deserts by providing direct access to fresh and affordable produce, meat, and staple goods and by advocating on behalf of these communities on issues related to food justice, hunger, and health.

Grocery Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Louis MetroMarket crew. Grocery Volunteers are involved in a rich variety of tasks and skills including customer service, produce display, quality control, community engagement, maintaining a clean and vibrant sales environment, and assisting with load on/load off. This volunteer opportunity is fun and fast paced, requiring high energy, fast learning, a great attitude, and the ability to think on your feet. 

Volunteers must be able to:

Please take note of the location for this opportunity. The MetroMarket stops at multiple locations throughout St. Louis. This opportunity is for one location. Please park and walk to the MetroMarket. 

Fresh Rx is looking for dedicated volunteers to help empower families with fresh healthy food by assisting in packing food boxes. Nourishing Healthy Starts is a Fresh Rx program that provides nutritious food to pregnant individuals during their pregnancy and up to 3 months post-partum. Nourishing Healthy Starts provides nutritious foods to birthing people who are at risk of food insecurity in order to reduce stress during pregnancy, and help to prevent low birth weight, premature birth, and infant and maternal mortality. Participants of this program receive a food box delivered directly to their home twice a month.

This volunteer opportunity will include packing 100-160 boxes of food that can weigh 12-28 pounds. Volunteers could be packing fresh produce boxes, cold boxes containing meat and dairy, or shelf stable items. We will pack the boxes and sort them for pickup.

Volunteers must be able to stand for 3 hours and lift up to 40 pounds.