Deployments
Canadian, Texas (Wildfire) / 5,020 Meals Over 5 Days

Canadian, Texas (Wildfire) / 5,020 Meals Over 5 Days

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...

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Kihei, Maui, Hawaii (Fire) / 33,523 Meals Over 22 Days

Kihei, Maui, Hawaii (Fire) / 33,523 Meals Over 22 Days

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...

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Perryton, Texas (Tornado) / 7,250 Meals Over 11 Days

Perryton, Texas (Tornado) / 7,250 Meals Over 11 Days

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...

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Hazard, Kentucky (Flooding) / 129,664 Meals Over 31 Days

Hazard, Kentucky (Flooding) / 129,664 Meals Over 31 Days

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...

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St. Louis, Missouri (Flooding) / 710 Meals Over 4 Days

St. Louis, Missouri (Flooding) / 710 Meals Over 4 Days

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...

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Mayfield, Kentucky (Tornado) / 75,044 Meals Over 24 Days

Mayfield, Kentucky (Tornado) / 75,044 Meals Over 24 Days

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...

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Waverly, Tennessee (Flooding) / 10,019 Meals Over 8 Days

Waverly, Tennessee (Flooding) / 10,019 Meals Over 8 Days

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...

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Houston, Texas (Winter Storm) / 37,000 Meals Over 9 Days

Houston, Texas (Winter Storm) / 37,000 Meals Over 9 Days

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...

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Kansas City, Kansas (ORR) / 7,452 Meals Over 50 Days

Kansas City, Kansas (ORR) / 7,452 Meals Over 50 Days

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...

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Nashville, Tennessee (Explosion) / 310 Meals Over 5 Days

Nashville, Tennessee (Explosion) / 310 Meals Over 5 Days

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...

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Cantonment, Florida (Hurricane) / 500 Meals Over 1 Day

Cantonment, Florida (Hurricane) / 500 Meals Over 1 Day

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...

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Beaumont, Texas (Hurricane) / 7,836 Meals Over 6 Days

Beaumont, Texas (Hurricane) / 7,836 Meals Over 6 Days

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...

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Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Derecho) / 70,360 Meals Over 10 Days

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Derecho) / 70,360 Meals Over 10 Days

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...

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Clemson, South Carolina (Tornado) / 200 Meals Over 1 Day

Clemson, South Carolina (Tornado) / 200 Meals Over 1 Day

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...

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Jonesboro, Arkansas (Tornado) / 1,700 Meals Over 2 Days

Jonesboro, Arkansas (Tornado) / 1,700 Meals Over 2 Days

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...

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Petaluma, California (Fire) / 200 Meals Over 1 Day

Petaluma, California (Fire) / 200 Meals Over 1 Day

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...

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Tulsa, Oklahoma (Flood) / 7,950 Meals Over 7 Days

Tulsa, Oklahoma (Flood) / 7,950 Meals Over 7 Days

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...

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Linwood, Kansas (Tornado) / 2,000 Meals Over 2 Days

Linwood, Kansas (Tornado) / 2,000 Meals Over 2 Days

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...

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Dayton, Ohio (Tornado) / 15,172 Meals Over 6 Days

Dayton, Ohio (Tornado) / 15,172 Meals Over 6 Days

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...

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Freeport, Illinois (Flood) / 3,681 Meals Over 4 Days

Freeport, Illinois (Flood) / 3,681 Meals Over 4 Days

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...

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Fremont, Nebraska (Flood) / 15,830 Meals Over 18 Days

Fremont, Nebraska (Flood) / 15,830 Meals Over 18 Days

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...

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Chico, California (Fire) / 5,225 Meals Over 6 Days

Chico, California (Fire) / 5,225 Meals Over 6 Days

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...

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Montrose, Pennsylvania (Flood) / 1,950 Meals Over 3 Days

Montrose, Pennsylvania (Flood) / 1,950 Meals Over 3 Days

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...

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Redding, California (Fire) / 20,553 Meals Over 9 Days

Redding, California (Fire) / 20,553 Meals Over 9 Days

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....

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Moro, Oregon (Fire) / 2,000 Meals Over 3 Days

Moro, Oregon (Fire) / 2,000 Meals Over 3 Days

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...

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Eureka, Kansas (Tornado) / 1,505 Meals Over 2 Days

Eureka, Kansas (Tornado) / 1,505 Meals Over 2 Days

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...

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Aurora, Indiana (Flooding) / 500 Meals Over 1 Day

Aurora, Indiana (Flooding) / 500 Meals Over 1 Day

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...

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Malden, Missouri (Tornado) / 300 Meals Over 1 Day

Malden, Missouri (Tornado) / 300 Meals Over 1 Day

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...

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Chetek, Wisconsin (Tornado) / 1,000 Meals Over 1 Day

Chetek, Wisconsin (Tornado) / 1,000 Meals Over 1 Day

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...

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Goodman, Missouri (Tornado) / 1557 Meals Over 4 Days

Goodman, Missouri (Tornado) / 1557 Meals Over 4 Days

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...

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Smithville, Missouri (Tornado) / 525 Meals Over 2 Days

Smithville, Missouri (Tornado) / 525 Meals Over 2 Days

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....

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Gatlinburg, Tennessee (Fire) / 13,400 Meals Over 3 Days

Gatlinburg, Tennessee (Fire) / 13,400 Meals Over 3 Days

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...

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Eureka, Kansas (Tornado) / 1,700 Meals Over 3 Days

Eureka, Kansas (Tornado) / 1,700 Meals Over 3 Days

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...

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St. Louis, Missouri (Flooding) / 300 Meals Over 1 Day

St. Louis, Missouri (Flooding) / 300 Meals Over 1 Day

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...

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Coal City, Illinois (Tornado) / 5,510 Meals Over 4 Days

Coal City, Illinois (Tornado) / 5,510 Meals Over 4 Days

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...

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Wimberley, Texas (Flooding) / 8,700 Meals Over 7 Days

Wimberley, Texas (Flooding) / 8,700 Meals Over 7 Days

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...

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Wayne, Nebraska (Tornado) / 1,000 Meals Over 1 Day

Wayne, Nebraska (Tornado) / 1,000 Meals Over 1 Day

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...

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Pilger, Nebraska (Tornado) / 6,800 Meals Over 4 Days

Pilger, Nebraska (Tornado) / 6,800 Meals Over 4 Days

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,...

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Washington, Illinois (Tornado) / 25,600 Meals Over 6 Days

Washington, Illinois (Tornado) / 25,600 Meals Over 6 Days

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...

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Longmont, Colorado (Flooding) / 11,150 Meals Over 6 Days

Longmont, Colorado (Flooding) / 11,150 Meals Over 6 Days

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...

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Moore, Oklahoma (Tornado) / 143,000 Meals Over 12 Days

Moore, Oklahoma (Tornado) / 143,000 Meals Over 12 Days

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...

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West, Texas (Explosion) / 16,000 Meals Over 8 Days

West, Texas (Explosion) / 16,000 Meals Over 8 Days

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...

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Adairsville, Georgia (Tornado) / 5,000 Meals Over 3 Days

Adairsville, Georgia (Tornado) / 5,000 Meals Over 3 Days

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...

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Royse City, Texas (Tornado) / 2,500 Meals Over 3 Days

Royse City, Texas (Tornado) / 2,500 Meals Over 3 Days

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...

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Dexter, Michigan (Tornado) / 2,300 Meals Over 3 Days

Dexter, Michigan (Tornado) / 2,300 Meals Over 3 Days

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...

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Joplin, Missouri (Tornado) / 120,000 Meals Over 11 Days

Joplin, Missouri (Tornado) / 120,000 Meals Over 11 Days

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...

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