OBR® Programs

Feeding Communities After Disasters. Enriching Heroes Lives Every Day.

Operation BBQ Relief (OBR®) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in May 2011 in response to a need for tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Missouri. Competitive pitmasters from eight different states answered the call to feed displaced families and first responders. Together, they were able to serve over 120,000 meals in a 13-day period. This experience of building a network to feed individuals in need has been the inspiration for OBR®. To date, OBR® has provided over 11 million meals throughout the United States and internationally following natural disasters. Through Camp OBR™ and The Always Serving Project®, OBR® supports our heroes in uniform – including active duty military, veterans, families of the fallen, first responders, and their loved ones – while also addressing food insecurity in our communities.

MISSION

OBR® provides comfort to those in need by connecting, inspiring, serving, and educating in communities far and wide.

VISION

We want to engage and serve every community by being the volunteer charity of choice.

VALUES

We value honesty, compassion, friendship, hard work and respect for others and for resources with which we are provided. Decisions and actions of OBR® will always be made and carried out with these values in mind. We want the communities we serve to be able to state without reservation that OBR® upheld these values while making a positive impact in the lives of their citizens.

Disaster Relief

Operation BBQ Relief aids communities and first responders affected by natural disasters by providing the one hot meal that matters during times of need. OBR®, with a network of volunteers and equipment across the country, can mobilize immediately following natural disasters and be serving hot meals within 24-48 hours of the disaster.

As of September 2024, OBR® has served over 10 million meals following natural disasters.

Operation Restaurant Relief was formed during COVID to serve meals to communities, provide a stipend to reopen closed restaurants and helps rehire laid-off restaurant workers. In collaboration with national and local organizations, meals have been distributed to the homeless, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and families.

The Always Serving Project®

OBR® is dedicated to service 365 days a year – not just in moments of crisis. Central to this commitment is “The Always Serving Project®,” a program launched in 2019. Through this initiative, we empower our volunteers, including heroes in uniform and their families, to continue serving their communities by feeding those in need.

BBQ Academy

  • Conduct live, virtual, and hybrid BBQ workshops.
  • Give back to first responders, military, and veterans through hands-on BBQ education.
  • Educate participants on the art, craft, and science of BBQ and its positive impact on the spirit of those we serve.
  • Inspire participants to use their BBQ skills to initiate change in their communities.
  • Provide volunteer opportunities to help feed those in need and support community BBQ events.
  • Teach participants how to serve communities in need during BBQ events, including responding to food insecurity and natural disasters.
  • Serve meals to the community and address the fight against hunger.

 

Days of Giving

  • Show gratitude through event programs serving those who serve us: military, veterans, and first responders.
  • Provide meals to the communities facing food insecurity with the goal of serving 365 days per year.
  • Share the spirit of BBQ – highlighting family, friends, and community.

Camp OBR™

Camp OBR™ is located on 190 acres at Lake of the Ozarks. The tranquil retreat provides heroes a place to reconnect, find solace, and build lasting memories with their families and fellow heroes navigating the same challenges.

Camp OBR™ offers a range of activities including hiking, fishing, hunting, ATV adventures, and water sports. Culinary therapy forms the heart of our programs, bringing families back around the dinner table.

OBR®’s aim is to equip heroes with valuable BBQ and culinary skills, fostering family togetherness and inspiring them to continue serving their communities. By volunteering during disasters and local events, they pay if forward.

To date, OBR® has provided over 11 million meals throughout the United States and internationally following natural disasters, COVID-19 response, The Always Serving Project®, and Camp OBR.