On the night of October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall near Sarasota, Florida, as a Category 3 hurricane, causing significant destruction in areas still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Helene just days earlier. Operation BBQ Relief, which had been...
Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on the Southeast called for an unprecedented response, and our team rose to the challenge. In just 29 days, our dedicated crew provided nearly 600,000 meals in five states, reaching people in need in Florida, Georgia, North...
Hurricane Francine made landfall on Louisiana’s southern coast on September 11, 2024, as a Category 2, leaving widespread power outages and flooding in its wake. We were on the ground in Houma, La. within 48 hours serving the “One Hot Meal That Matters” to those in...
On August 14, 2024, our deployment to Florida came to a close. We’re proud to share that we served 19,545 hot meals to those impacted by Hurricane Debby in the communities of Sarasota and Old Town. The dedication of our volunteers and the incredible support from our...
After Hurricane Beryl made landfall on July 8, 2024, damaging homes, flooding businesses, and causing power outages for millions of people, Operation BBQ Relief arrived in Lake Jackson, Texas within 48 hours to provide hot meals, comfort, and a little bit of normalcy...
After record flooding in Iowa damaged roads and bridges, shuttered or destroyed homes and businesses, required hospitals and nursing homes to evacuate, and left millions without power or safe drinking water, Operation BBQ Relief arrived on June 24 to provide the "One...
On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, severe weather swept through North Texas causing widespread power outages impacting thousands of people. Within 48 hours, we were on the ground in Richardson, Texas providing meals to first responders, residents, and relief workers impacted...
On May 26, 2024, multiple tornadoes tore through Northwest Arkansas and left destruction in their wake. Within 48 hours, we were on the ground in Rogers, Ark. to provide the “One Hot Meal That Matters” to people impacted by the storms. Over the course of nine days, we...
In mid-May 2024, Houston, Texas was hit with a series of severe weather events that resulted in widespread power outages impacting thousands of residents. We were honored to partner with the East Harris County Empowerment Council to provide the "One Hot Meal That...
When an EF3 tornado struck Sulphur, Okla. on April 27, 2024, we were on the ground providing “The One Hot Meal That Matters” in less than 48 hours. We owe a huge “thank you” to The Chickasaw Nation Relief Team, whose volunteers showed up every day to help us bring the...
On April 27, 2024, multiple tornadoes hit the Omaha, Neb. area leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Within 24 hours, Operation BBQ Relief was on-the-ground providing the Healing Power of BBQ to those in need. Over the course of six days, we provided the “One...
On Thursday, March 14, 2024, an EF3 tornado ripped through Logan County, Ohio, killing three people and leaving a path of destruction in its wake. In less than 24 hours, we were on the ground in Russells Point, Ohio providing meals to first responders, residents, and...
On Feb. 29, 2024, Operation BBQ Relief embarked on a unique deployment to the Texas Panhandle amidst the chaos of the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest wildfire ever recorded in Texas, and neighboring blazes. Our mission was clear: to provide hot meals and hope to...
On December 9, 2023, severe storms hit Middle Tennessee spawning seven tornadoes, including an EF3 that hit Clarksville, Tenn. This tornado caused 62 injuries and four fatalities, and damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes. Within 24 hours, Operation BBQ Relief was on...
On August 29, 2023, as one volunteer team returned from deployment in Maui, another group was already en route to Florida, gearing up to respond to Hurricane Idalia. As the Category 3 hurricane approached, they provided meals to first responders and search and rescue...
When wildfires broke out on the island of Maui in Hawaii on August 8, 2023, it was never a question of if Operation BBQ Relief would respond, but when. Sending a disaster response team to an island was uniquely challenging. Normally we deploy with an extensive arsenal...
Operation BBQ Relief was founded in May 2011, when competitive pitmasters from nine different states answered the call to feed displaced families and first responders after a tornado struck Joplin, Missouri. Twelve years later we reached our 100th deployment milestone...
In June 2023, Perryton, Texas, was struck by a devastating tornado that left a trail of destruction in its wake. Operation BBQ Relief immediately responded to the crisis, arriving within hours of the disaster. Over the course of 11 days, our dedicated volunteers...
Catastrophic Category 4 Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on September 28, 2022. Over 2 million customers were without power. Operation BBQ Relief deployed to Port Charlotte, FL on September 29, 2022 and immediately served hot meals the following day. During...
The historic flood in Eastern Kentucky on July 28th devastated communities across several counties. Operation BBQ Relief was immediately on the ground less than 24 hours after the flood to meet with local officials to assess need, survey sites, and determine safety...
Thank you to the volunteers that helped share the healing power of BBQ following the floods in St. Louis, MO. Special thanks to Doc and Susan Richardson from Doc's Smokehouse and Catering for the generous support in providing the one hot meal that matters to...
Operation BBQ Relief deployed to Goshen, OH to provide BBQ meals to volunteers and first responders assisting in the rebuilding and recovery efforts following the EF2 tornado.
Operation BBQ Relief thanked the first responders who helped with the wildfires in Pigeon Forge, TN. First responders from over 70 agencies assisted in the firefight. A delicious BBQ meal cooked by Operation BBQ Relief champion pitmasters is more than just sustenance...
Operation BBQ Relief provided hope, friendship, and compassion to communities in New Orleans, LA and the surrounding areas. Many homes were severely damaged from the EF3 tornado that had a maximum wind speed of 160 mph.
Operation BBQ Relief deployed to Mayfield, Kentucky to share the one hot meal that matters after a catastrophic EF-5 tornado hit western Kentucky. The communities were decimated with lives lost, and families forced to evacuate their homes. Operation BBQ Relief served...
Operation BBQ Relief shared the healing power of BBQ to communities affected by Hurricane Ida in Louisiana. The damage was significant as over 1 million households were without water and power. Operation BBQ Relief airlifted 70,000 meals to hard hit areas in Houma, LA...
Operation BBQ Relief served over 10,000 meals to f amilies, first responders, and members of the National Guard affected by the catastrophic floods in Waverly, TN. "My daughter and I volunteered at Hope Center Ministries. Operation BBQ Relief made sure we were getting...
Operation BBQ Relief teamed up with Rockin' Bar - B Authentic Texas BBQ to provide over 1000 BBQ meals to evacuees and first responders affected by the wildfires in California.
Operation BBQ Relief provided 37,000 hot BBQ meals in response to Winter Storm Uri in Houston. The historic winter storm, which lasted from February 13 to 17, 2021, broke pipes and left hundreds of thousands of residents without power and access to water. Meals were...
On February 15, 2021, an EF3 tornado with winds up to 80 miles per hour struck Brunswick County. At least three people were killed and 10 people were injured. The tornado destroyed at least 60 homes and took down power lines. Operation BBQ Relief shared the healing...
Through the Operation Restaurant Relief program, Operation BBQ Relief teamed up with Wilma’s Good Food to provide meals to veterans experiencing homelessness at Hope Faith Homeless Assistance Campus in Kansas City. Veterans were served meals for breakfast, lunch, and...
Through the Operation Restaurant Relief program, Operation BBQ Relief teamed up with Peg Leg Porker to provide BBQ meals. Meals were served to first responders and volunteers who were cleaning up the blast zone resulting from an explosion in downtown Nashville on...
Just 43 days after Hurricane Laura hit, Hurricane Delta made landfall on October 9, 2020. Lake Charles was still dealing with damage sustained to homes and other structures from Hurricane Laura, and Hurricane Delta only worsened this situation. By quickly mobilizing...
Operation BBQ Relief provided meals from local restaurants for evacuees affected by the Oregon wildfires. The meals provide hope and comfort for many families that have lost everything.
Hurricane Sally made landfall in Alabama on September 16, 2020. Due to the intensity of the storm, which involved 105 mile per hour winds and over 20 inches of rainfall, a reported 550,000 residents in affected areas lost power. In an effort to alleviate the suffering...
Hurricane Sally, a Category 2 hurricane with winds of up to 105 miles per hour and multiple feet of rainfall, was devastating for many Florida residents. In Escambia County, more than 400 people had to be rescued following storm surge flooding. At least $29 million...
Hurricane Laura made landfall in Texas on August 27, 2020. This hurricane resulted in approximately 160,000 power outages and 8,500 people being displaced into temporary shelters. The U.S. Army and EMS were there to provide much needed aid to the victims along with...
Hurricane Laura, which was one of the strongest hurricanes on record, made landfall in Louisiana on August 27, 2020. With sustained winds of 150 miles per hour, Hurricane Laura inflicted an estimated 10 billion dollars in damage and caused the deaths of at least 26...
On August 10, 2020, a derecho devastated communities in Iowa. This violent thunderstorm complex had winds over 100 miles per hour and caused 4 billion dollars’ worth of damages, including damage to 40% of the state’s soybean and corn crops that lay at the core of the...
On April 13, 2020, an EF3 tornado with winds up to 140 miles per hour touched down for 16 miles in South Carolina. This was the most severe weather outbreak in the state since 2008. This tornado wrecked hundreds of homes, caused power outages for hundreds of thousands...
On the evening of March 28, 2020, a supercell thunderstorm produced several tornadoes in Arkansas. The most significant tornado was an EF3 tornado that ripped through Jonesboro. With winds up to 140 miles per hour, the tornado damaged homes, businesses, and an airport...
On March 3, 2020, central Tennessee experienced severe storms and at least one tornado. Initial surveys indicated EF3 tornado damage. The Tennessee Titans organization allowed Operation BBQ Relief to set up a command center outside of Nissan Stadium. For eight days,...
Powerful storms with straight line winds and flooding rains swept through Tennessee on October 26, 2019. Many residents had to go to shelters, and those who could remain in their homes were left without power and with storm damage. The American Red Cross of Tennessee...
The Kincade Fire was the largest of the 2019 California wildfires and burned over 77,000 acres. Mandatory evacuations were put in place around Sonoma County, and Operation BBQ Relief was asked to come feed first responders and impacted residents in shelters. Within 24...
On the night of October 20, 2019, a severe storm system moved across the Southeast United States. The storm included tornadoes and caused damage across the state of Texas, with Dallas being the hardest hit. In Dallas, an EF3 tornado created a 15 mile path of...
Operation BBQ Relief responded after Category 5 Hurricane Dorian caused major damage in The Bahamas. A field kitchen was set up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Local small-craft pilots and the crew of the Miss Montana, a refurbished World War II era C-47 cargo plane,...
On June 6, 2019, a storm dumped more than four inches of rain on Tulsa within three hours and caused widespread flooding along the Arkansas River. Roughly 600 homes and businesses in the Tusla area were subsequently forced to evacuate. Operation BBQ Relief volunteers...
On the evening of May 28, 2019, a mile-wide EF4 tornado ripped through Douglas and Leavenworth counties in Kansas with winds up to 170 miles per hour. Numerous homes were damaged or destroyed and 18 people were injured, with Linwood being the hardest hit. Operation...
On May 27, 2019, a severe storm system with tornadoes left approximately 68,000 households and businesses in Ohio without power. Operation BBQ Relief cooked and delivered hot meals to impacted residents, first responders, linemen, and other organizations helping in...
On April 13, 2019, Operation BBQ Relief began cooking and serving The One Hot Meal That Matters hours after a tornado hit Franklin and Alto. Within a severe tornado outbreak that affected the Eastern United States, the high-end EF3 tornado that struck Franklin and...
During the second week of March in 2019, historic flooding along the east bank of the Pecatonica River forced many residents from their homes. The Stephenson County Emergency Manager reached out to Operation BBQ Relief for help. Thank you to The Salvation Army of...
In late March of 2019, heavy rains in Nebraska caused widespread flooding that resulted in the damage or destruction of 2,000 homes and 340 businesses. Additionally, there was 1.3 billion dollars worth of damage to infrastructure, crops, and cattle. Operation BBQ...
The Camp Fire of November 2018 was one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California history. At its height, the fire was capable of consuming eight football fields worth of land in a single minute. It claimed 85 lives, burned 153,335 acres, destroyed...
In terms of pressure, Hurricane Michael was the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane to make landfall in the contiguous United States. Hurricane Michael was a Category 5 hurricane that caused extensive damage in the United States and Central America, particularly in...
In September 2018, Hurricane Florence caused severe damage in the Carolinas that resulted from freshwater flooding. Hurricane Florence dropped 35.93 inches of rain in Elizabethtown, North Carolina and became the wettest tropical cyclone recorded in the Carolinas....
On August 14, 2018, flash flooding caused by several days of heavy rain led Susquehanna County to declare a state of emergency in response to damaged houses and roads. This was compounded by similar flooding that had damaged communities in the area only a few weeks...
The Carr Fire began on July 23, 2018 and burned more than 218,000 acres in California. It caused evacuations of over 36,000 people in Shasta and Trinity counties. Almost 2,000 structures were either damaged or destroyed and over $1.659 billion in damages occurred....
The Substation Fire began on July 17, 2018 and burned approximately 80,000 acres in Oregon. Due to strong winds, the fire grew rapidly and moved approximately 18 miles in a matter of days. After the Oregon Governor declared a state of emergency, Operation BBQ relief...
On Tuesday evening, a tornado ripped through the small town of Eureka for a second time in less than two years. By Wednesday afternoon, Operation BBQ Relief volunteers were on the ground preparing hot BBQ meals for those affected and the first responders helping in...
On March 19, 2018, a tornado touched down just north of Wellington. The tornado cut an East-bound path of destruction over 34 miles long across the Georgia state line. The tornado strengthened to an EF3 as it entered Jacksonville and damaged buildings across the...
In February 2018, the Ohio River flooded after waters rose by 60 feet. This was the second highest level that the river had ever reached. Many were unable to return to their homes and businesses after this historic flooding event. Thanks to the efforts of Operation...
On February 24, 2018, an EF2 tornado touched down in Missouri. 66 homes were damaged and four people were injured in Malden. The twister left an estimated $2 million worth of damages that stretched for over a mile. Operation BBQ Relief volunteers deployed to serve hot...
Between October 8 and 9, 2017, multiple fires broke out in Santa Rosa. High winds and dry conditions caused the wildfires to spread rapidly. The fires caused hundreds of people to go missing and took the lives of 40 individuals. Operation BBQ Relief joined forces with...
Hurricane Irma was classified as a Category 4 hurricane when it made landfall in Florida on September 10, 2017. Hurricane Irma caused widespread damage due to storm surges, high winds, and rainfall that caused power loss and flooding. In addition to the deployment in...
Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 hurricane, struck Texas and neighboring states after making landfall on August 17, 2017. Hurricane Harvey caused catastrophic flooding and the deaths of over 100 people. The hurricane also caused an estimated $125 billion in damages....
On May 16, 2017, a single EF3 tornado tore through 83 miles of northwest Wisconsin from southeast Polk County to southwest Price County. Chetek, a community in Barron County, was hit the hardest. Operation BBQ Relief volunteers provided compassion, hope, and...
Between April 28 and 30, 2017, rainfall caused extensive flooding in West Plains and the surrounding areas. Because of the flooding, the entire city of West Plains lost power and experienced devastating damage. The restaurant Bootleggers BBQ allowed Operation BBQ...
An EF2 tornado hit Goodman on the evening of April 4, 2017. With winds around 120 miles per hour, the storm knocked out power and damaged the school, fire station, and many homes and businesses. Operation BBQ Relief volunteers arrived when the local authorities...
On March 8, 2017, Reno County and the surrounding communities experienced intense wildfires. The fires are estimated to have burned over 5,400 acres of residential property and a golf course. 10 homes were destroyed and two people were injured, and many more were...
In March, 2017, an EF2 tornado with winds up to 132 miles per hour damaged or destroyed approximately 70 homes in Smithville. The local airport was also damaged by extremely strong winds that were a part of this storm. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported....
From November to December, 2016, a fire that began in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park spread to the neighboring communities. This massive fire killed 14 people, destroyed more than 2,000 homes and businesses, and forced the evacuation of approximately 14,000...
Hurricane Matthew hit North Carolina in October 2016. This Category 5 hurricane left over $6 billion in damages and 28 people dead throughout the southeastern United States. In Lumberton, the Lumber River flooded and either damaged or destroyed multiple homes and...
In August 2016, Louisiana experienced over 30 inches of rainfall during a three-day period which led to catastrophic flooding. Approximately 146,000 homes were damaged across the state and at least 13 people were killed. In response, Operation BBQ Relief quickly...
Eureka was impacted by two tornadoes late on July 7, 2016. An EF3 tornado occurred just northwest of Eureka and an EF2 tornado occurred through the city of Eureka. Luckily, there were no fatalities or serious injuries. But debris, damaged homes, and power loss led to...
On June 23, 2016, the states of West Virginia and Virginia experienced extreme flooding. Over a period of just 12 hours, these areas experienced an estimated 10 inches of rainfall. Resulting in 23 deaths, this was the deadliest flash flood event that had occured in...
From March 8 to 12, 2016, a slow-moving storm dropped over 20 inches of rain across northern Louisiana. This led to one of the most prolific flood disasters that the area had ever seen. Rain pounded the area, triggered extreme flash flooding, and caused thousands of...
From late 2015 to early 2016, rivers in both Missouri and Illinois reached record levels after the area experienced almost 30 inches of rainfall. Due to flooding along the Mississippi, Meramec, and Bourbeuse Rivers, thousands of homes, businesses, and public buildings...
Nine tornadoes were confirmed in Dallas and Collin counties on December 26, 2015. These storms left 11 dead and hundreds more without power and homes to return to. In the following days, the communities experienced extremely heavy rainfall and snow that furthered the...
On December 23, 2015, an EF4 tornado, which was one of multiple tornadoes in the area, hit northern Mississippi and southern Tennessee. With 170 mile per hour winds, the tornado left a path of destruction over 75 miles long. The outbreak of supercell thunderstorms...
From October 1 to 5, 2015, a historic flooding event affected North and South Carolina. This led to historic rainfall in the Charleston tri-county area. Flash flooding led to significant damage to numerous properties and roads, and many people had to be rescued by...
On June 22, 2015, a powerful summer storm including at least nine tornadoes tore through north to central Illinois. Coal City was hit by an EF3 twister with winds up to 160 miles per hour. Widespread damage impacted at least a quarter of Coal City’s residents: 55...
On May 23, 2015, torrential rains falling on the already saturated ground in the Texas Hill Country resulted in record flooding. The towns of Wimberley and San Marcos experienced nearly instant flooding along the Blanco and San Marcos rivers. The Blanco river rose 20...
On May 12, 2015, an Amtrak train bound for New York City from Washington, D.C. wrecked and derailed close to a neighborhood in Philadelphia. Eight people were killed and over 200 people were injured. Train service was disrupted for several days, but many passengers...
An EF4 tornado cut through north-central Illinois on the evening of April 9, 2015 and devastated the town of Fairdale. The storm resulted in two fatalities, numerous injuries, and significant damage to both commercial and residential buildings along its over 30 mile...
On October 4, 2013, northeastern Nebraska, southeastern South Dakota, and northwestern Iowa experienced 18 tornadoes. One of these tornadoes was an EF4 level twister that hit the town of Wayne. It damaged homes, businesses, farmland, and an airport in the area, which...
On June 16, 2014, a supercell storm resulted in multiple tornadoes across the state of Nebraska. Three EF4 twisters impacted Stanton County, and the town of Pilger was directly hit as a twin tornado cut a parallel path nearby. The tornadoes resulted in two fatalities,...
From April 27 to 28, 2014, tornado outbreaks struck areas across the lower midwest and southeast. In this two-day period, there were 66 confirmed tornados (two of which were rated EF4). Mayflower, Tupelo, and Louisville were struck particularly hard by these...
From April 27 to 28, 2014, tornado outbreaks struck areas across the lower midwest and southeast. In this two-day period, there were 66 confirmed tornados (two of which were rated EF4). Mayflower, Tupelo, and Louisville were struck particularly hard by these...
From April 27 to 28, 2014, tornado outbreaks struck areas across the lower midwest and southeast. In this two-day period, there were 66 confirmed tornados (two of which were rated EF4). Mayflower, Tupelo, and Louisville were struck particularly hard by these...
On November 17th, 2013, multiple tornadoes tore through Illinois and caused widespread power outages and structural damage that affected thousands. One of the two EF4 tornadoes ripped directly through Washington. Operation BBQ volunteers were able to directly provide...
On September 11, 2013, clouds and heavy rain began to impact the Colorado Front Range. Over a three day period, 9.5 inches of rain fell on the city of Boulder. The resulting runoff caused floods that affected a 4,500 square-mile area, left thousands of people without...
On May 20, 2013, an EF5 tornado struck Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City. The tornado was part of a massive weather system that also produced several thunderstorms and smaller tornadoes. 1,150 homes and buildings were destroyed and the tornado caused $2 billion in...
On April 17, 2013, a massive explosion and fire occurred at a fertilizer plant in the small town of West. 15 people were killed, more than 160 people were injured, and more than 150 buildings were destroyed or damaged. Operation BBQ Relief volunteers served hot meals...
On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, a high end EF3 tornado struck northwest Bartow and central Gordon counties in Georgia. With peak winds estimated to be 160 miles per hour, the tornado left a path of destruction 21.8 miles long and up to 900 yards wide. The tornado...
From October 22 to November 2, 2012, Hurricane Sandy tore through the Northeastern United States. At the time, this was the largest Atlantic hurricane on record. 285 people were killed across seven countries, and the storm left over $75 billion in damages. Operation...
On August 21, 2012, Category 1 Hurricane Isaac made landfall in Louisiana. Through September 3, the hurricane caused $611.8615 million in damages and five total deaths across three states. Operation BBQ Relief volunteers from neighboring states set up in Louisiana and...
The Waldo Canyon Fire started approximately four miles northwest of Colorado Springs on June 23, 2012. The fire caused the evacuation of over 32,000 residents throughout Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and Woodland Park. Approximately 346 homes were destroyed by...
On April 5, 2012, several tornadoes touched down near Dallas and Fort Worth. Over 1,100 homes were damaged and 349 homes were destroyed by this outbreak. Thankfully, no one was killed and very few people were injured. Operation BBQ Relief volunteers set up at Bootleg...
On March 15, 2012, an EF3 tornado left a path of destruction seven miles long and nearly half a mile wide in Washtenaw County. 100 homes were damaged and destroyed, and the tornado resulted in fires and flooding across the county. While the damage was extensive, there...
In February, 2012, as many as 17 tornadoes ripped across the Midwest and caused widespread damage. Homes, churches and businesses were damaged and 17 fatalities were reported across six states. Operation BBQ Relief volunteers from the Kansas City area deployed to...
At least six different tornadoes touched down in central Alabama. These tornadoes caused damage across a wide area and took the lives of multiple individuals. The strongest of the tornados, an EF3 with 150 miles per hour winds, hit Jefferson County on January 23,...
In August 2011, Hurricane Irene swept through the Caribbean and eastern portion of the United States and flooded areas from North Carolina to Maine. Immediately following this hurricane, Tropical Storm Lee soaked the Midwest and the Northeast. The storm left many...
On May 22, 2011, a massive multi-vortex E5 tornado plowed through southwest Missouri. 156 people were killed and more than 1,000 people were injured. The tornado left a path of almost total destruction six miles long and over half a mile wide. It is now classified as...