Mayor Spencer Launches 2025 City Food Insecurity Fund to Combat SNAP Cuts
In a bold move to address the growing issue of food insecurity in the St. Louis region, Mayor Cara Spencer has announced the launch of the 2025 City Food Insecurity Fund. This fund, created in partnership with United Way of Greater St. Louis, St. Louis Area Food Bank, Operation Food Search, and Integrated Health Network, aims to fill the gap left by recent cuts to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
According to Mayor Spencer, 1 in 5 residents in the City of St. Louis rely on SNAP benefits to make ends meet. However, with funding cuts and uncertainty at the federal level, these residents have been left in limbo. This is especially challenging for those still recovering from the effects of the May 16th tornado.
As of September 2025, 54,943 city residents in 31,049 households received SNAP benefits, totaling $11,525,929 in the month of September alone. With such a significant gap to fill, Mayor Spencer is calling on all residents and businesses to donate to the City Food Insecurity Fund and support emergency food assistance efforts and essential resources provided by local food banks, pantries, and grassroots organizations.
In addition to monetary donations, Mayor Spencer is also urging residents and businesses to donate food to area food drives and food banks like Operation Food Search and the St. Louis Area Foodbank. These organizations have seen a sharp increase in demand, especially with the ongoing government shutdown stretching their resources thin.
Meredith Knopp, President and CEO of the St. Louis Area Foodbank, states that many neighbors in the community are facing difficult decisions about paying for food or other essentials due to the current crisis.
To find out more information on how to donate food or funds, or to volunteer, please visit the following links:
2025 City Food Insecurity Fund
Website: helpingpeople.org/cityfoodfund
Administered by United Way of Greater St. Louis, this fund will assist local partner agencies and grassroots organizations in addressing challenges in delivering food assistance during the ongoing crisis.
Food Bank Donations
Operation Food Search
Website: operationfoodsearch.org
Non-perishable donations can be dropped off 24 hours a day in the white donation bin outside the Operation Food Search warehouse at 1644 Lotsie Blvd. in St. Louis, MO. Perishable donations can be dropped off at their warehouse Monday through Friday from 12 to 4 p.m.
St. Louis Area Food Bank
Website: stlfoodbank.org
The St. Louis Area Foodbank accepts food donations at their facility at 70 Corporate Woods Drive Bridgeton, MO 63044, Monday through Friday from 8AM to 4PM and or Saturday 8AM to 12PM.
Volunteer Opportunities
Individuals can find volunteer opportunities at food pantries and food banks through the United Way volunteer portal.
