ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Residents in north St. Louis County can get fresh produce from three area libraries for the next two Thursdays in November.
The St. Louis County Library and Operation Food Search have partnered for the second time this year to provide healthy eats at no cost to families.
On Thursdays, November 9 and 16, starting at 8:30 a.m., produce boxes will be available at the Florissant Valley, Lewis & Clark and Weber Road branches.
Andrew Fuqua was one of 50 people who lined up at the Florissant Valley location on the first Thursday, Nov. 2. He had learned about the giveaway through his grandson.
"'Granddaddy, you need to get over there and pick up the box for us because we like apples. Pears. Fruits. Vegetables. and mommy can save money,'” Fuqua said his grandson told him.
Operation Food Search and the libraries have been partners for a while on other initiatives, but the produce giveaways started during the pandemic.
"It's a really good feeling. It's great to be giving back to the community and helping those who really need it,” said Aaron Seidel, assistant branch manager at the Florissant Valley Library. "Especially with good and fresh food. We're really grateful to have the opportunity to help out in that way."
Fuqua said he appreciated the partnership's focus on health.
"That makes me feel good because [my grandson is] concerned about his diet and his health. Hopefully, he's cutting back on the candy," Fuqua said.
Boxes are distributed curbside in branch parking lots.
Each branch will have 50 boxes of produce each Thursday on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is a limit of one box per family. Each box will contain approximately 10-12 lbs of produce, the equivalent of 10 meals worth per box.
Participating branches:
- Florissant Valley Branch, 195 N. Florissant Road S., Florissant, MO 63031
- Lewis & Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63136
- Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber Road St. Louis, MO 63123
Operation Food Search also provides free after-school meals to eat onsite Monday-Friday at five where children ages 5-18 can stop by after school and enjoy a nutritious meal and keep occupied with activities.
Participating Branches:
- Florissant Valley Branch, 195 N. Florissant Road S., Florissant, MO 63031
Monday-Friday, 3:45-4:45 p.m. - Lewis & Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63136
Monday-Friday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. - Natural Bridge Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121
Monday-Friday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. - Prairie Commons Branch, 915 Utz Lane, Hazelwood, MO 63042
Monday-Friday, 3:00-4:30 p.m. - Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO 63123
Monday-Friday, 2:45-4:00 p.m.