Operation BBQ Relief

Operation BBQ Relief A Kansas City nonprofit founded by big-hearted pit masters in the wake of the Joplin, MO tornado. For media inquiries, please email [email protected].
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We Feed Communities After Disasters and Enrich Heroes' Lives Every Day. From Humble Beginnings to a National Force: Since its founding in the wake of the devastating tornado in Joplin, Mo., in May 2011, Operation BBQ Relief, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has provided nearly 13 million barbecue meals to communities after disasters. Armed with more than 23,000 registered volunteers, a caravan

of cooks, mobile pits, kitchens, and a heart full of compassion, Operation BBQ Relief has become synonymous with disaster response, offering relief to first responders and communities affected by disasters for more than a decade. Expanding Beyond Disaster Relief: The Always Serving Project® and Camp OBR™ Programs: Operation BBQ Relief's commitment extends far beyond disaster response. The organization enriches the lives of heroes through initiatives like The Always Serving Project® and Camp OBR™. These culinary therapy programs provide purpose, connection, and support to our heroes in uniform, including the military, veterans, families of fallen heroes, first responders, and their loved ones. OBR also addresses food insecurity issues in communities across the U.S. Stay Connected, Join the Mission: To learn more about our work, volunteer opportunities, and how you can support our mission, please visit OBR.org and follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok at .

Today, on Women Veterans Day, we salute the incredible strength, courage, and dedication of all women who have worn our ...
06/12/2026

Today, on Women Veterans Day, we salute the incredible strength, courage, and dedication of all women who have worn our nation's uniform. 🎖️

At Operation BBQ Relief, we are especially grateful for the women veterans in our volunteer family who continue to serve, lead, and inspire our communities every day. Thank you for your service and sacrifice – today and every day!❤️

The future of barbecue is looking incredibly bright! 🔥This week, we had the privilege of hanging out with some amazing y...
06/12/2026

The future of barbecue is looking incredibly bright! 🔥

This week, we had the privilege of hanging out with some amazing young pitmasters at the National High School BBQ Association Championship at Scheels in The Colony, Texas. We are so proud of these hardworking, talented teens!

A massive thank you to all the volunteers who showed up to teach these students about our mission: feeding communities after disasters and enriching heroes’ lives every day.

We can’t wait to officially welcome these next-generation pitmasters into the Operation BBQ Relief volunteer family! 🧡

We were incredibly honored to be part of the Guns N’ Hoses event in Kansas City, Missouri, this weekend! Our team served...
06/11/2026

We were incredibly honored to be part of the Guns N’ Hoses event in Kansas City, Missouri, this weekend! Our team served 1,650 hot meals to the local first responder community and their supporters.

This annual fundraiser aids the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission (KCMCC) and the Surviving Spouse and Family Endowment (SAFE) program, providing vital assistance to the families of fallen or catastrophically injured first responders.

It is a privilege to give back to those who sacrifice so much for our communities. A massive thank you to all of our incredible volunteers who stepped up to make this event possible! 🚒🚓

Our team is actively monitoring multiple storm cells happening over the next few days and stands ready to deploy if need...
06/10/2026

Our team is actively monitoring multiple storm cells happening over the next few days and stands ready to deploy if needed. For those in the path of these storms, please stay informed, remain weather-aware, and seek shelter if necessary.

If there are any mass feeding needs in your area, please notify [email protected].

Stay safe everyone!

Disasters don’t wait, and neither do we. 🌪️🔥Operation BBQ Relief was recently in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for our special...
06/10/2026

Disasters don’t wait, and neither do we. 🌪️🔥

Operation BBQ Relief was recently in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for our specialized Disaster Culinary Training. We’re so proud to welcome over 30 new volunteers to the OBR family! They spent the weekend mastering high-volume food prep, safety, sanitation, and expert equipment operation.

To everyone who helped support, host, and facilitate this event – thank you. Your support means that when the next disaster strikes, a stronger, highly trained team is ready to answer the call. 💛

Ready to find your purpose and serve your community? We have more training sessions coming up!

How you can join the mission:
1️⃣ Register at OBR.org or via the “OBR Volunteers” app.
2️⃣ Visit the “Events” tab to find a training event in your area.
3️⃣ Step up to serve hot meals and hope when it's needed most.

Last week, we had the privilege of celebrating a major milestone with our friends at Maintainer Corporation of Iowa, Inc...
06/09/2026

Last week, we had the privilege of celebrating a major milestone with our friends at Maintainer Corporation of Iowa, Inc. as they marked 50 years of excellence in the work truck industry.

To show our gratitude for their years of support and friendship, our team fired up the grills to serve hot meals for their anniversary open house. Witnessing the incredible community spirit firsthand was truly inspiring.

Thank you, Maintainer, for the hospitality and for letting us share in your history. And to the volunteers who showed up to help us cook and serve – you are the absolute best! 🙌

Yesterday, our team at Camp OBR rolled up their sleeves to bring some new life to the area near our memorial gazebo. 🌹✨ ...
06/06/2026

Yesterday, our team at Camp OBR rolled up their sleeves to bring some new life to the area near our memorial gazebo. 🌹✨ We transformed a patch of old, dying bushes into a beautiful, vibrant rose garden.

This revitalized space is dedicated to the memory of Master Patrolman Jefferson Taylor, who gave his life while helping others in the wake of the 2011 Joplin tornado. We are incredibly proud to honor his memory and celebrate his legacy of service in this way.

Last weekend, Operation BBQ Relief headed to Harrisonville, Missouri, to prepare 140 hot meals for the MO Vets Outdoors ...
06/04/2026

Last weekend, Operation BBQ Relief headed to Harrisonville, Missouri, to prepare 140 hot meals for the MO Vets Outdoors annual fundraiser.

We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our core beliefs. Together, we know that culinary therapy, nature, and true camaraderie can make a lasting impact on our nation’s heroes.

A massive thank you to MO Vets Outdoors for their incredible work, and to our volunteers who always answer the call to serve. Here’s to many more events together! 🥂

In May, Operation BBQ Relief proudly continued a meaningful four-year tradition by supporting the annual Fire Ops 101 ev...
06/03/2026

In May, Operation BBQ Relief proudly continued a meaningful four-year tradition by supporting the annual Fire Ops 101 event.

In collaboration with the International Association of Fire Fighters, St. Petersburg Association of Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 747 , the Pinellas County Fire Chiefs Association, and the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department, our team had the privilege of providing 150 meals to event participants and local heroes.

The Fire Ops 101 program brings together Tampa Bay area firefighters, local and state officials, and members of the media, offering civilians a firsthand look at the rigorous challenges and dedication required in the fire service.

Beyond catering the main event, we extended our reach by delivering meals directly to local fire stations – sharing comfort and gratitude with those who serve our communities daily.

We extend our deepest thanks to the dedicated volunteers who gave their time and effort to make this impactful day a resounding success.

On May 20, Operation BBQ Relief headed to San Antonio, Texas, to support the Texas Search and Rescue Exercise (TX SAREX)...
06/03/2026

On May 20, Operation BBQ Relief headed to San Antonio, Texas, to support the Texas Search and Rescue Exercise (TX SAREX).

TX SAREX brings together first responders, the National Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard to simulate real-world disaster scenarios and sharpen interagency coordination. To show our appreciation, our team served up 300 hot, comforting meals to the heroes who train tirelessly to keep us safe.

Huge shoutout to our amazing volunteers who made this happen. We couldn’t do it without you!

Address

Oxford, MS
38655

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