Turning the tables: Operation BBQ Relief preps for Feeding the Firefighters

PECULIAR, Mo. (KCTV) - Typically, Operation BBQ Relief trucks are at the scene of disasters, helping out families in need.

Operation BBQ Relief is a non-profit that provides barbecue to those displaced by natural disasters, as well as to first responders and other emergency personnel. Founded in 2011 in response to the Joplin, Missouri tornado, they have expanded to serve millions of meals across the United States. Operation BBQ Relief also has a recreational facility called Camp OBR, which provides to veterans, military personnel, and first responders, and their families.

Over the next several weeks, the Operation BBQ Relief team is turning the tables and saying thank you to some of the men and women on the front lines.

The initiative is called Feeding the Firefighters.

Between April 18 and International Firefighters Day on May 4, Operation BBQ will begin delivering roughly 5,000 meals to 170 different fire stations across 21 states.

This is the third year Operation BBQ Relief will be serving meals, each year bigger than the last. “They show up, that’s their job and sometimes they don’t get celebrated enough,” Operation BBQ Relief co-founder, Stan Hays said. “This is just a small way we can say ‘you’re appreciated’ by giving them some comfort food in the form of barbecue.”

In total, the nonprofit will smoke about 1,500 pounds of meat during the campaign.

In the Kansas City area, Operation BBQ Relief volunteers will be providing meals to Lenexa FD Station 1 and Central Jackson County FPD Station 3 on May 3rd.

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