SHAWNEE, KAN. - Prairie Fresh announced that it is donating 210,000 servings of meat to Operation BBQ Relief to support the organization's deployment during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Operation BBQ Relief is a nonprofit organization that serves meals in times of relief efforts for various catastrophes. The organization was founded in 2011 after a tornado ravaged the town of Joplin, Mo. Currently, the organization is providing hot BBQ meals to healthcare workers, first responders and the homeless and veteran population in the Kansas City, Mo., metro area as shelter-in-place orders are in effect in Missouri and Kansas. 

“We commend Operation BBQ Relief for their efforts to share the healing power of BBQ during this time of uncertainty for so many in our country,” said David Eaheart, senior director of communications and brand marketing for Prairie Fresh and Seaboard Foods.  

“Our hearts ache for everyone affected by COVID-19. We are grateful Operation BBQ Relief fired up their smokers to feed health care professionals and other first responders on the front line battling this virus as well as feed those who are food insecure during these unprecedented times,” Eaheart said. “We encourage others to join Prairie Fresh in supporting Operation BBQ Relief. No donation amount is too small to make a big difference.”