It all started with a tornado in Joplin, Missouri back in May 2011. Volunteers from competition BBQ teams from eight states answered the need to help feed displaced families, police, fire, National Guard and emergency personnel. Since then, Operation BBQ Relief, a Kansas City based not-for-profit organization, has responded to 66 disasters in 26 states, providing authentic, home cooked BBQ to first responders and others affected by catastrophic events.

            Today the organization brought four truckloads of food to The University of Kansas Health System in order to provide 5,000 meals to workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. One of those lunches was a big milestone for the organization…its four millionth meal. It was presented to Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control at The University of Kansas Health System. Dr. Hawkinson said the meal was delicious, and he was honored to accept on behalf of the health system’s grateful workers.

            Stan Hays, CEO and co-founder of Operation BBQ Relief, said "When Operation BBQ Relief was started 9 years ago in Kansas City, we never imagined we would celebrate the milestone of serving 4 million meals with the community we call home. Operation BBQ Relief is honored to celebrate our 4 millionth meal with The University of Kansas Health System. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve heroes serving on the front lines on this special day for our organization."

Jeff Novorr, Vice President Support Operations at The University of Kansas Health System, said “During the last nine years, Operation BBQ Relief has responded to dozens of disasters, serving hot meals and providing comfort to those in need along the way.  After serving millions of meals all across the country, it is a meaningful tribute to the health care workers and first responders in Kansas City to be able to celebrate Operation BBQ Relief’s 4 millionth meal back home where it all started.  The University of Kansas Health System is honored to be a beneficiary of their kindness and generosity as our staff and physicians continue to work around the clock to meet the healthcare needs of our community and region. We are especially humbled to be the recipient of their 4 millionth meal. And there is no better place than Kansas City to serve this milestone BBQ meal!”

            Operation BBQ Relief is funded by philanthropy and operated largely by volunteers who respond at a moment’s notice and go wherever there are people in need of a home cooked meal. The last six weeks, the need has been COVID relief, and Operation BBQ Relief has served more than 843,000 meals nationwide to medical workers and first responders. Now they are back home in Kansas City, and for the next few weeks, will provide more than 100,000 meals to first responders, healthcare workers, veterans,  families and organizations affected by the pandemic. Watch video of the presentation below.