Operation BBQ Relief is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides hot meals to communities impacted by disasters and the first responders that are on the ground helping. We were founded after the Joplin, MO EF5 tornado in May 2011. After disaster strikes it can take larger organizations, local civic groups, and church groups to get things set up and going to help feed the community. Our organization with a network of volunteers and equipment across the country can respond immediately and be serving hot meals sometimes within hours of the disaster. We stay until those local groups are up and running, able to handle things, and start the healing process. We are based in the Kansas City Metro area but have volunteers and directors in cities across the country. To date, we have served in over 30 different states and have provided over 9 million meals.