Feeding Communities: Operation BBQ Relief Helps Communities in Crisis
This month, we’re shining a service spotlight on another organization near and dear to our hearts, Operation BBQ Relief. Founded by competitive barbecue chefs, Operation BBQ Relief brings comfort to communities affected by natural disasters by providing hot meals, fostering connections, and serving those in need. We are proud to support their service efforts and help them as they fulfill the commandment of “love your neighbor as yourself” through food, friendship, and support.
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18
Answering the Call to Help
In January 2025, Operation BBQ Relief deployed to Malibu to help those devastated by the California wildfires. Through their service, they supported the victims of the wildfires and the many incredible people who jumped in to help others in their time of need.
Between January 12 and January 29, Operation BBQ Relief’s disaster response team served over 20,000 hot meals to first responders, National Guardsmen, and Californians struck by the fires. Their 17-day deployment made a powerful impact.
While Operation BBQ Relief is no longer deployed in California, they are still working to help victims through Operation Restaurant Relief™, partnering with Slingers Restaurant to continue providing meals to those in need. The program pairs Operation BBQ Relief with local restaurants that have the staff and locations needed to serve the community. The nonprofit donates food and supplies to the restaurant, which in turn creates hot, nourishing meals that provide strength and support to people in their community.
“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” — John 13:34
A Legacy of Service
The California wildfires are simply the latest example of the amazing work Operation BBQ Relief does to help people struggling due to natural disasters. As a dedicated group of competition pitmasters, caterers, and chefs, the volunteers behind Operation BBQ Relief put their skills to work to feed those in crisis.
The organization began in 2011 when many were displaced due to tornados that ripped through Joplin, Missouri. According to Operation BBQ Relief, to date they have “provided over 11 million meals throughout the United States and internationally following natural disasters, COVID-19 response, and through The Always Serving Project, benefiting the homeless, first responders, veterans, and members of the military.” In 2024 alone, they deployed to 24 sites and provided relief for 14 disasters, including hurricanes, floods, power outages, and tornados.
Uplifting Communities, Inspiring Volunteers
The nonprofit relies on the generosity of volunteers to implement its deployments. These volunteers come from many walks of life. They may have restaurant or cooking experience or could simply be an individual who wants to help when a natural disaster strikes.
Often the volunteers travel from their home states to deployment sites. Other times, Operation BBQ Relief gains local volunteers. In 2024, the organization reported having volunteers from 44 states involved in their missions.
From the deployment spotlights found on the organization’s website, you can see that volunteers often get as much out of their participation as those they are serving. We certainly agree that doing good feels good. When we come together to serve our neighbors, we all benefit.
Beyond Crisis: Education and Community Empowerment
Operation BBQ Relief’s work is not only about stepping up in times of crisis. The nonprofit works to connect, inspire, and educate people 365 days a year. Food is a great equalizer. Cooking provides comfort and joy to many. Through The Always Serving Project and Camp OBR, they empower community heroes with education and culinary therapy.
Through these programs, community members—including first responders, veterans, and their families—gain connection, education, and hands-on experience in the art of BBQ. Whether they are participating in The Always Serving Project to serve their own communities through BBQ events or attending Camp OBR for culinary therapy and skill-building, participants receive valuable training, support, and a sense of camaraderie through the power of cooking and BBQ.
Spreading the Love
At Covenant Packaging, we believe in sharing the gifts God has given us. Serving others through our expertise in corrugated boxes and packaging solutions is a blessing. A blessing that gives us the opportunity to give back and help others. We love supporting organizations that help our neighbors, both local and throughout the country, feel supported and appreciated during their time of need.
If you’re inspired by the incredible work of Operation BBQ Relief and want to learn more about how they’re making a difference in communities across the country, we encourage you to visit the website. There, you’ll find more details about their ongoing disaster response efforts, as well as opportunities to support the organization’s mission through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness.
*Information for this post was sourced directly from Operation BBQ Relief’s website and 2024 Impact graphic.