First Operation BBQ Relief Meal Kits Arrive in Jamaica
The first shipment of Operation BBQ Relief meal kits departed from Key West on Saturday and has successfully arrived in Jamaica, organizers announced.
The mission was made possible through the support of Mercury One, Everything LifeSaving, and Sunbelt Rentals, with special recognition to volunteer Brad Klinger, who drove overnight to ensure the flight’s timely departure.
A larger shipment of nearly 10,000 additional meal kits has been temporarily postponed as logistics are finalized. An updated launch date will be announced soon.
Founded in 2011 after an EF5 tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri, Operation BBQ Relief began when a group of competitive pitmasters from eight states answered the call the only way they knew how — by firing up their smokers. For 13 straight days, they fed their pits, slept in their trucks, and served 120,000 hot meals to families and first responders.
Organizers said that same spirit of service and compassion “lives on in every meal we serve today.”For more information or to get involved, visit their website.