In the News
2024
Kansas City’s Operation BBQ Relief helps feed the need after Hurricane Debby, September 2024
Pitmasters to the rescue: Operation BBQ Relief fires up support after hurricane, July 2024
Sending help from Heartland to Hurricane Beryl victims, July 2024
‘Act of kindness’: KC’s Operation BBQ Relief prepares to help Texas storm victims, July 2024
Operation BBQ Relief responds to urgent need of impacted, Spencer residents, June 2024
Operation BBQ Relief gives out over 1,800 meals to North Texans affected by storms, June 2024
Operation BBQ Relief provides hot meals in tornado-torn communities, May 2024
Operation BBQ Relief comes to Elkhorn, Blair, April 2024
Operation BBQ Relief deploys to Nebraska after devastating tornado outbreak, April 2024
Franklin Noon Rotary Super Butt promotion creates 8,500 meals for those in need, February 2024
2023
Volunteer group feeds Clarksville tornado survivors, December 2023
Providing relief through BBQ, September 2023
Volunteers give out meals for Idalia victims in Valdosta, September 2023
Operation BBQ Relief teams up with restaurants in Maui to serve thousands of wildfire victims, August 2023
Kansas City-area nonprofit provides 30,000 free BBQ meals to those affected by Maui wildfires, August 2023
This Kansas City nonprofit is serving free barbecue to Maui wildfire survivors, August 2023
On the ground in Maui: Operation BBQ Relief on disaster response, August 2023
Kansas City-area groups sending support to Maui fire victims, August 2023
Barbecue to the rescue: Nonprofit provides meals following national disasters, July 2023
For disaster victims trying to rebuild their lives, their last hope: volunteer groups, July 2023
Mobile non-profit using love of BBQ to spread hope amidst devastation in Perryton, June 2023
Operation BBQ Relief provides the ‘healing power of barbecue’, April 2023
Mobile BBQ cooking response team helps Wynne residents’ spirits after storm’s destruction, April 2023
Volunteers help feed mouths after Wynne tornado, April 2023
Operation BBQ Relief provides hot meals to Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee communities, April 2023
Operation BBQ sets up relief sites in Mississippi after deadly tornadoes, March 2023
Operation BBQ Relief’s efforts in Mississippi featured on World News Report, March 2023
Operation BBQ Relief: Help on the way to Mississippi tornado, March 2023
2022
Operation BBQ Relief returns to EKY to help those impacted by flood, December 2022
Operation BBQ Relief reaches milestone feeding disaster victims, October 2022
Operation BBQ Relief In Port Charlotte, Florida Responding to Hurricane Ian, October 2022
Kansas City’s Operation BBQ Relief receives kudos from Florida governor, October 2022
‘Operation BBQ’ helping southwest Florida get back on its feet, October 2022
Non-profit organization helps feed those in need in Hurricane Ian aftermath, October 2022
Operation BBQ Relief starts feeding thousands in Florida, October 2022
Kansas City non-profit heads to Florida in Hurricane Ian’s wake. How you can help, October 2022
Operation BBQ Relief is bringing help to those impacted by Hurricane Ian, September 2022
Charity serving up hot BBQ meals for Hurricane Ian victims, first responders, September 2022
Operation BBQ Relief heads to Florida as Hurricane Ian strengthens, September 2022
Operation BBQ Relief sending meals all across EKY, August 2022
Operation Barbeque Relief helping feed people in Eastern Kentucky, August 2022
Volunteer pitmasters cook thousands of barbecue meals for flood victims, August 2022
Operation BBQ Relief serving thousands of meals to eastern Kentucky, August 2022
Operation BBQ Relief cooks up special event with local first responders, June 2022
The 22 Best Cookbooks for Spring 2022, March 2022
Ferrellgas Joins Forces with Blue Rhino and Operation BBQ Relief, March 2022
KC Cares: Operation BBQ Relief, January 2022
2021
Hauling hope … and smoke: Texas trucker works with Operation BBQ Relief to provide meals for storm-ravaged areas, December 2021
Christmas dinner and gifts for Mayfield tornado survivors, December 2021
Operation BBQ Relief serves meals to storm-ravaged communities, December 2021
Operation BBQ Relief Partners with Lowes Madisonville to Feed Dawson Springs Residents, December 2021
Lowe’s and Operation BBQ Relief to deliver 14,000 meals to tornado-stricken communities, December 2021
Volunteers feeding thousands after Mayfield tornado, December 2021
Operation BBQ Relief serves Kentucky storm victims, December 2021
Operation BBQ Relief now serving meals in parts of Kentucky, December 2021
After deadly tornado, KC’s Operation BBQ Relief sends meals, volunteers to Kentucky, December 2021
Operation BBQ Relief To Supply Hot Meals To Residents In Need, November 2021
Operation BBQ Relief to serve hot meals in Hammond, September 2021
Operation BBQ Relief feeds those helping in disaster areas, September 2021
Operation BBQ Relief provides Hurricane Ida support in Louisiana, August 2021
Kansas City-area organizations are en route to offer aid to those affected by Hurricane Ida, August 2021
Operation BBQ heading to assist areas impacted by Hurricane Ida, August 2021
Help is on the way to Hurricane Ida victims from Kansas City, August 2021
How to Help After Hurricane Ida, August 2021
In Ida’s Grip, Louisiana Struggles to Assess the Damage, August 2021
Operation BBQ Relief in the Windy City with David Rosen, August 2021
Blue Rhino & Operation BBQ Relief Present the Summer Grilling Series, July 2021
BBQ Bootcamp – hope and compassion, one hot meal at a time, July 2021
Operation BBQ Relief brings local veterans together for friendship, cooking, July 2021
A decade of Operation BBQ Relief, May 2021
Operation BBQ Relief continues to grow after its creation during Joplin tornado, May 2021
Operation BBQ Relief celebrating 10 years of feeding the need, May 2021
Mike Golic Sr. teams up with Operation BBQ Relief as national spokesperson, March 2021
They’re cooking BBQ by the ton and bringing comfort to thousands of storm weary Texans, February 2021
Mayor Turner will distribute “Operation BBQ Relief’s” 9 millionth meal, February 2021
Barbecue community feeds Houston after historic freeze, February 2021
Mayor’s Office Press Release, February 2021
Tuesday Operation BBQ Relief is Providing Hot Meals to Families, February 2021
Rockets and Operation BBQ Relief to Partner for Drive-thru Food Distribution, February 2021
Operation BBQ Relief feeding Houston after historic freeze, February 2021
Joplin area nonprofit helps Texans, February 2021
“Operation BBQ Relief,” Serving that one hot meal that matters in Brunswick County, February 2021
2020
Operation BBQ Relief Comes To The Rescue For Those In Need In Northern New Jersey And Rockland County, December 2020
Operation BBQ Relief returns to Lake Charles after Hurricane Delta, October 2020
Hurricane victims surprised with warm meals across Baldwin County, September 2020
Operation BBQ Relief feeds family, first responders affected by natural disasters, September 2020
Operation BBQ Relief’s deployment supported by Prairie Fresh pork, September 2020
Volunteer barbecue chefs in Louisiana are feeding hundreds of thousands of people affected by Hurricane Laura, September 2020
Operation BBQ Relief: Area churches team up to provide hot meals to Ouachita Parish, September 2020
Local relief group helps those effected by Hurricane Laura, September 2020
Operation BBQ Relief Celebrates 8 Millionth Meal, August 2020
Operation BBQ Relief ready to help in the recovery, August 2020
Operation BBQ Relief providing derecho support with thousands of hot meals, August 2020
Operation BBQ Relief teams up with Kurt Warner and Zach Johnson to Support Those Affected by the Midwest Derecho, August 2020
National BBQ group serves up meals after Cedar Rapids storm, August 2020
Hot meals to be served at over 10 locations in the Cedar Rapids area from Operation BBQ Relief, August 2020
Operation BBQ Relief to provide meals to community members in need, August 2020
Meals provided twice a day through Operation BBQ Relief, August 2020
Operation BBQ Relief help local families receive complete meals in difficult times, July 2020
Salvation Army helps nonprofit give out 7 millionth meal, June 2020
Salvation Army and Operation BBQ Relief announce major milestone, June 2020
Event in Reading celebrates hunger relief milestones, June 2020
Free meals, produce being distributed at Operation BBQ Relief event in Slate Belt, June 2020
Operation BBQ Relief serves 6 millionth meal during event at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, May 2020
Operation BBQ Relief to Provide 6 Millionth Meal at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, May 2020
Classic Cup to reopen doors in June, partners with Operation BBQ Relief, May 2020
Operation BBQ Relief Serves Milestone Meal to Nashville’s First Responders, May 2020
Kansas City Royals partner with Operation BBQ Relief to cook for First Responders, KNSS, May 2020
#WeSeeYouKSHB: Chiefs lineman Mitchell Schwartz takes to kitchen to help others, KSHB, May 2020
Operation BBQ Relief Serves Five Millionth Meal in Nashville, May 2020
Toms River’s Pop The Trunk Ready To Feed Those In Need Again – May 2020
To Fight Waste and Hunger, Food Banks Start Cooking, NY Times, May 2020
‘Que for a cause: Charlie Hustle teaming up to benefit Operation BBQ Relief – May 2020
School meal program faced COVID-19 shutdown. Here’s how Hilton Head restaurateurs helped, May 2020
Salvation Army to distribute food in Hamburg, Reading Eagle, May 2020
Coronavirus in Toms River: residents can get free food, barbecue meals on Friday – May 2020
#WeSeeYouKSHB: Operation BBQ Relief, AT&T give meals to KCKPD, May 2020
#WeSeeYouKSHB: Operation BBQ Relief serves 5,000 meals to health care workers, May 2020
Keeping people fed and restaurants afloat: One CNN Hero’s pandemic response – May 2020
Operation BBQ Relief serves 5,000 meals to health care workers – May 2020
#WeSeeYouKSHB: Operation BBQ Relief provides free meals to health care workers, Yahoo, May 2020
Operation BBQ Relief serves 70,000 meals to Horry County Schools students – May 2020
Keeping people fed and restaurants afloat: One CNN Hero’s pandemic response – May 2020
Bootleggers provides 13,321 free meals, May 2020
Operation BBQ Relief expands latest effort to feed communities in need during COVID-19 crisis – May 2020
Stepping Up: How Companies Are Helping First Responders During the Pandemic, ACC Docket, May 2020
SC Army National Guard, nonprofit help hand out student meals in Horry County – April 2020
Operation Barbecue Rescue Helping Feed Toms River Needy, April 2020
Salvation Army works with barbecue restaurants to feed hungry during coronavirus crisis, April 2020
Salvation Army and Operation BBQ team up to help those in need, April 2020
Operation BBQ Relief provides meals for homeless during COVID-19 pandemic, April 2020
A partnership between Dignity Health, Sonder and Operation Barbecue Relief to feed thousands in need, April 2020
Operation BBQ Relief, local restaurant provide 35,000 meals to homeless centers and those in need, April 2020
Dignity Health, Operation BBQ Relief begin providing meals to people in need of food due to COVID-19, April 2020
Gov. Wolf: Emergency SNAP Benefit Distribution to Begin Today, Local Feeding Programs Available, April 2020
Operation BBQ Relief To Serve 500 Meals, April 2020
How Food Organizations Are Helping Their Communities Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, April 2020
Operation BBQ Relief, Plowboys have served 30,000 meals to those in need during COVID-19 pandemic, April 2020
Operation BBQ Relief Expands Programs to Feed Communities in Need during COVID-19 Crisis, April 2020
These Volunteer Chefs Fight The ‘Invisible Enemy’ As Only Kansas City Can — With Barbecue, April 2020
Stronger together: Partnering up during the COVID-19 pandemic, April 2020
Operation BBQ Relief and Plowboys Barbeque Partner to Provide Up to 2,500 Meals Each Day in Kansas City, April 2020
Free barbecue meals to be distributed in Toms River Friday, April 16, 2020
Operation BBQ Relief serves nearly 10K meals to medical workers, first responders – April 2020
Operation BBQ Relief: Charity feeds homeless, first responders, employs restaurant workers, March 2020
Operation BBQ Relief hitting the streets of KC to help the homeless while supporting local business, March 2020
Operation BBQ Relief Responds to COVID-19, March 2020
Operation BBQ Relief offers support in Nashville, March 2020
Operation BBQ Relief headed to Nashville to feed people affected by tornado, March 2020
Operation BBQ Relief heads to Nashville to support families, first responders impacted by tornado, March 2020
Operation BBQ Relief Deploys to Nashville, March 2020
Defending cook-off champs more than a competition team, February 2020
Retired Green Beret amputee from Land O’ Lakes to run two Disney marathons in one weekend, January 2020
2019
Miss Montana gets to work ferrying relief supplies to Bahamas, September 2019
Operation BBQ Relief flies meals to Dorian-ravaged Bahamas aboard restored WWII plane, September
Operation BBQ Relief to serve 3 millionth meal serving hot meal to those in need in the Bahamas, September 2019
Operation BBQ Relief flies meals to Dorian-ravaged Bahamas aboard restored WWII plane, September 2019
South Florida parishioners, volunteers cook BBQ meals for displaced Hurricane Dorian survivors, September 2019
The Mother Load Podcast, The Healing Power of BBQ, September 2019
Mid-South groups providing relief after Hurricane Dorian, September 2019
Operation BBQ Relief to provide meals for those affected by Hurricane Dorian, September 2019
Operation BBQ Relief ready to help Hurricane Dorian victims, September 2019
Kansas City Marathon monthly podcast, September 2019
When Natural Disasters Strike, Operation BBQ Swoops In With Relief — And Ribs, July 2019
Tips for your Fourth of July BBQ, June 2019
‘Operation BBQ Relief’ feeds competitors at the Warrior Games, June 2019
Wounded warrior Jay Collins completes cross-country charity barbecue tour, June 2019
Operation BBQ Relief serves up meals to first responders and military members, June 2019
Wounded warrior making way to Tampa one step at a time, June 2019
Operation BBQ Relief feeding Green Country flood victims, June 2019
Operation BBQ Relief serves hope to the community, June 2019
Wounded veteran makes cross-country trip to serve BBQ to thousands, June 2019
Volunteers feed tornado victims, bring hope in Linwood, June 2019
Operation BBQ Relief to travel to Dayton, Ohio, May 2019
Veteran leads group feeding thousands of homeless and first responders in Houston, May 2019
Wounded warrior’s ‘Breaking Bread Tour’ now halfway to Tampa, May 2019
‘Operation: BBQ Relief’ makes a stop in San Antonio to feed 10,000 service members, May 2019
Amputee veteran traveling across U.S. to raise help for disaster relief organization, May 2019
Wounded Warrior serves 10,000 meals to Fort Bliss soldiers, May 2019
Cookbooks Heat Up Barbecue Interest, May 2019
Operation BBQ Relief serves comfort with a side of sauce, May 2019
Wounded Warrior serves 10,000 meals to Fort Bliss soldiers, May 2019
Warrior takes cross-country trek to help feed disaster victims, April 2019
Operation BBQ Relief set to feed Freeport flooding victims, March 2019
Operation BBQ Relief heading to Nebraska to serve flooding victims, March 2019
Operation BBQ volunteers bring culinary help to disaster scenes across country, March 2019
Operation BBQ Relief takes top prize at Houston Rodeo cook-off, February 2019
2018
Operation BBQ Relief brings food and water to storm victims, October 2018
Operation BBQ Relief serving up hot meals in Florida following Hurricane Michael, October 2018
Operation BBQ Relief to feed thousands, looking for volunteers, October 2018
OBR on 60 Second Docs, October 2018
BBQers Set Friendly Rivalries Aside to Serve Meals, Hope to Hurricane Michael Victims, www.people.com, October 2018
With enough ‘cue for 25,000 meals a day, nonprofit feeds a recovering Wilmington, September 2018
Operation BBQ Relief sets up in Wilmington, September 2018
KC-based Operation BBQ Relief taking meals to Carolinas after Hurricane Florence, September 2018
Business Leaders Find New Ways to Help Wildfire Victims, August 2018
California fire: Englewood firefighter lends his barbecue expertise to help, August 2018
Organizations team up to practice disaster preparedness, August 2018
José Andrés’s Nonprofit is Serving Thousands of Meals to CA Firefighters, August 2018
Celebrity Chefs Arrive at Carr Fire to Cook For Evacuees, Firefighters, July 2018
Pitmaster uses BBQ skills to honor US troops, May 2018
Operation BBQ Relief: Serving from the Heart, April 2018
2017
BBQ lovers have teamed up to give back to devastated communities like wildfire-ravaged Santa Rosa, CA, October 2017
Napa Winery and OBR Help Feed First Responders during the Wine Country Fires, October 2017
In Wine Country, chefs leave behind homes to feed fire victims, October 2017
Guy Fieri fires up the grill for Santa Rosa fire evacuees and first responders, October 2017
KC’s Operation BBQ Relief that takes meals to disaster areas honored as CNN Hero, September 2017
When disaster strikes, they bring the barbecue, September 2017
Operation BBQ Relief Serves 125,000 Meals After Hurricane Irma, September 2017
Operation BBQ Relief: ‘Thank Q FedEx’ for carrying tons of food to Hurricane Irma victims, September 2017
Bear’s Owner Helping Hurricane Victims As Part Of Operation BBQ, September 2017
Aid workers, doctors, good Samaritans lend helping hand to Irma-ravaged Keys, September 2017
Operation Airdrop: Pilots carry supplies to Florida areas ravaged by Irma, September 2017
‘Thank Q’: FedEx airlifts barbecue to Irma victims in Florida Keys, September 2017
Humanitarians — with barbecue — descend upon a grateful Florida, September 2017
After Hurricane Irma, group handing out bulk BBQ at Germain Arena, September 2017
Bear’s Owner Helping Hurricane Victims As Part Of Operation BBQ, September 2017
Operation BBQ Relief feeds thousands in SWFL, September 2017
Siouxlanders deserve praise for hurricane relief efforts, September 2017
Operation BBQ Relief arrives in Florida to help in aftermath of Hurricane Irma, September 2017
371,000 hot barbecue meals served in Texas by Operation BBQ Relief, September 2017
Operation BBQ preparing to head to Hurricane Irma disaster zone, September 2017
Operation BBQ response team gearing up for Hurricane Irma, September 2017
South Mississippi donations reach Houston, September 2017
The comfort Operation BBQ Relief serves is more than a hot meal, September 2017
Help Hurricane Harvey victims through Operation BBQ Relief, September 2017
World Series of BBQ holds event to benefit Operation BBQ Relief, September 2017
Operation BBQ Relief Prepares Food for Houston’s Needy, August 2017
Operation BBQ Relief pulls into Houston to comfort, nourish with smoked meat, August 2017
Operation BBQ Relief serving meals to those displaced in Houston following Harvey, August 2017
Local non-profit Operation BBQ heads to Houston to aid in disaster relief, August 2017
Local bbq relief plans to join forces with Texas pitmasters to feed hundreds impacted by Harvey, August 2017
Operation BBQ Relief ready and waiting to help flood victims, August 2017
Operation BBQ Relief heads to storm-stricken Texas, August 2017
Operation BBQ Relief heading to Texas, August 2017
Operation BBQ Relief cooking up world class KC BBQ for Texas hurricane victims, August 2017
Operation BBQ Relief serves up meals for tornado victims, March 2017
2016
Shreveport Day of Giving, November 2016
Thousands receive free hot meal in Lumberton, October 2016
Right on ‘Que, September 2016
Lakeview Regional Medical Center Contributes to Louisiana Flood Relief, September 2016
Local Business Aides Flood Victims, September 2016
Volunteers Provide Relief to Flood Victims, September 2016
Operation BBQ Relief Hits Milestone, September 2016
Operation BBQ Relief Practices Preparing Food to Fuel People in Event of Disaster, August 2016
Operation BBQ Relief pumps out pork meals for flood victims, August 2016
Memphis BBQ teams help feed the homeless in Louisiana, August 2016
Smithfield Helping Hungry Homes Assists Louisiana Flood Victims, August 2016
Chef Prepares meals for Louisiana flood victims, August 2016
Volunteers donate food and cook BBQ for Louisiana, August 2016
Memphis BBQ teams feed the need in flooded Louisiana, August 2016
Alabama’s Moore’s Marinades pitches in to help Operation BBQ Relief, July 2016
Jamie McDonald on How to Help in West Virginia, June 2016
Blue Rhino and Operation BBQ Relief Recipes, May 2016
Stan Hays as this year’s winner of the Donna H. Myers Barbecue Leadership Award, May 2016
Army of volunteers feeds flooded NELA, March 2016
2015
Operation BBQ Relief in Rowlett Texas, December 2015
2014
Operation BBQ Relief, July 2014
2013
2012
Washington Post: A message of hope and pork ribs on Election Day, November 2012
CBS DFW: Neighbors Helping Neighbors Royce City TX, April 2012
Washington Post: Smoke Signals, March 2012
Annarbor.com: 1000 meals in 24 hours – March 2012