Vernon's BBQ To Offer Free Food For Canned Goods

UNIVERSITY CITY, MO — Vernon's BBQ & Catering will offer free food in exchange for donated canned goods on Friday, Dec. 1. The U-City restaurant is celebrating its fifth anniversary by taking part in Operation Food Search, a St. Louis-area program created by a nonprofit group of the same name.

Established in 1981, Operation Food Search has become the largest distributor of free food in the area, according to the group's website. "Each month, Operation Food Search distributes more than $3 million worth of food and household items to nearby community partners that in turn feed more than 200,000 people every single month," the group says. "About one third of the recipients are children."

Vernon's will offer a free sandwich, portion of ribs, or chicken wing serving of their choice in exchange for at least one canned item, the restaurant said on Facebook. The offer will last all day or until all available food has been given out. "There is no limit to how many customers may go back through the line, donate a canned food item, and receive free food," Vernon's said. "Additionally, the entire Vernon's BBQ and Catering menu will be available to purchase."

Since opening in 2012, restaurant owners Matt Stiffelman and Tim Zolman said Vernon's success had surpassed their expectations. "So, it's only fitting that Vernon's would wish to say thanks and give back to the community that has given it so much success over these five years."

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