Operation Food Search (OFS) received a $25,000 donation from Bank of America to support its Nourishing Healthy Starts program, which provides pregnant people and their families with weekly fresh produce and grocery boxes, cooking classes, safety net enrollment assistance, and connections to community and medical resources.
The rate of food insecurity across the U.S. has increased to 13.5%, but in the area OFS serves in Missouri and Illinois, that percentage is often significantly higher. The food insecurity rate among children in the areas OFS serves is 24%, which means 1 in 4 children is at risk of hunger.
These benefits prevent many of the health effects and high costs caused by food insecurity during pregnancy, such as chronic conditions and complications for mothers and long stays in neonatal intensive care units for infants.
A long-term community partner, the bank has donated more than $600,000 to OFS over the past 24 years. Bank of America employees volunteer their time at OFS, reinforcing their dedication to the organization’s mission to provide food today and create a hunger-free tomorrow in the St. Louis region.
“Operation Food Search is an essential resource, helping improve the lives of individuals and families in our region by ensuring access to nutritious, affordable food,” said Marilyn Bush, president, Bank of America St. Louis. “Partnerships like these are an important part of our commitment to a healthier and equitable community.”
90% of babies born to mothers who participated in the 2021 Nourishing Healthy Starts pilot program were delivered at a healthy birth weight. OFS launched a continuing research study in August 2023 to build on the positive momentum of the program.
The rate of food insecurity across the U.S. has increased to 13.5%, but in the area OFS serves in Missouri and Illinois, that percentage is often significantly higher. The food insecurity rate among children in the areas OFS serves is 24%, which means 1 in 4 children is at risk of hunger.
“We appreciate Bank of America’s ongoing support of OFS as our team works to build a healthy and more vibrant community by addressing food insecurity,” said OFS President and CEO Kristen Wild.
“Their generous gift will make an immediate impact on the families we serve.”
For more information on supporting Operation Food Search or to get involved, visit https://www.operationfoodsearch.org/how-to-help/.