Following the wrath of Hurricane Laura, Operation BBQ has deployed to Lake Charles, La., to provide hot, barbecue meals to families and first responders affected by the storm. This is Operation BBQ Relief’s 69th deployment since 2011 to support those in need following natural disasters.

In parts of Texas and Louisiana, where Hurricane Laura came ashore as a Category 4 hurricane, communities like Lake Charles lost electricity and water service as the hurricane’s 120 mph winds left many damaged homes, businesses, and debris. In Lake Charles, Operation BBQ Relief plans to serve upwards of 30,000 meals daily to affected families, first responders, and disaster relief volunteers.

Stan Hays, Operation BBQ Relief CEO and co-founder, commented, “Barbeque is comfort food, and we are proud to bring some comfort to the people affected by Hurricane Laura and provide them with hope, compassion, and friendship as they work to put their lives back together.”

Prior to moving to Lake Charles, the group was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, providing aid to those affected by the Midwest derecho that hit the area on Aug. 10. An estimated 10,000 meals were served each day, totaling more than 70,000 meals while in the Cedar Rapids area. It was during this time that Operation BBQ Relief served its eight-millionth meal.

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, September 3, 2020. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere.