MOLINE, ILLINOIS (April 16, 2025) — Sometimes, the simplest things mean the most — like a hot meal when everything else is lost.
That’s what a handful of big-hearted BBQ pitmasters believed back in 2011 when a devastating tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri. In the wake of unimaginable loss, they did what they knew best: Fired up their smokers, rolled up their sleeves, and got to work.
For thirteen days, they cooked, served, and slept in their trucks, making sure that families and first-responders had a hot meal every day. They served 120,000 BBQ meals, and those pitmasters did more than just feed people. They brought a little bit of hope, comfort, and togetherness to a broken community.
That event lit a fire that’s still burning today.
Serving Up More Than Just BBQ
For the past thirteen years, Operation BBQ Relief (OBR) has been on the ground wherever disaster strikes, making sure that in life’s toughest moments, no one goes hungry. From hurricanes and floods to wildfires and tornadoes, OBR has served nearly thirteen million meals across 42 states and even overseas.
In the last few months, OBR provided 1.3 million meals during Hurricanes Helene and Milton across the Southeast. It also delivered Thanksgiving meals by helicopter to recovery teams in Western North Carolina, and fed displaced families and first-responders in Southern California’s wildfire zones, and hot meals to Cave City, Arkansas residents after a devastating tornado.
John Turner, a Florida resident impacted by back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton, recalled the difference OBR made in his community.
"After being hit with back-to-back hurricanes here in Florida, there OBR was — like barbecue angels in the night. I was greeted with smiles and more food than my family and I could eat. For a night, we forgot about the damage and just enjoyed a hot meal," Turner said.
While BBQ can’t fix everything, OBR CEO and co-founder Stan Hays says, “BBQ has the power to remind people they aren’t alone and brings comfort in the chaos.”
"At OBR, we believe a barbecue meal is more than just food. It’s a reminder of home, community, and kindness — things that matter even more in tough times,” said Hays.
“OBR is not a giant global relief organization. It’s a grassroots family of volunteers — pitmasters, veterans, first-responders, and everyday people who believe in the simple power of a plate of BBQ and a helping hand,” noted Hays.
More Than Disaster Relief: Enriching Heroes’ Lives Every Day
OBR’s work doesn’t stop when the storms clear. They believe in the power of BBQ, community, and shared meals to bring people together — not just in times of crisis, but every day.
Military service members, veterans, families of fallen heroes, first-responders, and their loved ones connect through OBR programs that use food as a way to heal, connect, and build resilience.
Camp OBR™ is a place where those who have dedicated their lives to service and their families can come together, engage in culinary therapy, and find healing through food.
OBR also leads The Always Serving Project,® which supports military members, veterans, and first-responders while also fighting hunger and bringing communities together — one meal at a time.
Supporting small businesses and food-insecure communities, Operation Restaurant Relief™ ensures that those in need always have access to a warm meal.
“As long as there are people in need, OBR will be there — smokers fired up, aprons on, and hearts wide open,” noted Hays.
How You Can Help
OBR is seeking sponsors and volunteers nationwide. No experience is necessary, and even small contributions can help the organization bring comfort to those affected by disasters and support service members and first responders year-round.
For more information, visit operationbbqrelief.org.
