Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc from the Gulf Coast to the Northeastern US from August 29th to September 1st, beginning with a devastating landfall as a Category 4 storm in our home state of Louisiana. Damage from extreme winds and floodwaters left thousands displaced, and many more are still without power — a crisis that could continue for weeks — in the harsh heat and humidity. Across Southeast Louisiana, there’s widespread demand for gas, generators, AC units, and even a hot meal.

That’s where United by BBQ and Operation BBQ Relief come in. Both non-profit organizations share BBQGuys belief that food and shelter aren’t just the building blocks of a good barbecue — they’re also the foundation for quality of life. In the wake of this storm’s catastrophic damage, we’ve made a donation to both groups in an effort to help them help others.

Operation BBQ Relief started in May 2011 to address the need for tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Missouri. BBQ pit masters from 9 different states answered this call, ultimately serving 120,000 meals to displaced families and first responders in a 13-day period. Since then, Operation BBQ Relief has provided over 9 million meals throughout the United States and internationally following natural disasters, as part of COVID-19 response, and through The Always Serving Project that helps homeless people, first responders, veterans, and members of the military. Its founders also started a new program in 2020 called Operation Rescue Relief. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they worked with 27 restaurants across 8 states to provide more than 4.7 million meals to first responders, medical workers, veterans, and others affected by the pandemic.

Like its fellow organization, United by BBQ’s mission is to lift up disaster-stricken areas with delicious BBQ and an outpouring of love for those communities. We’re thankful for the hard work from both organizations not only in our home region following Hurricane Ida, but also across the country every day. We encourage you to join the cause and give what you can to help Operation BBQ Relief and United by BBQ provide immediate support in affected areas.