MILTON, Fla. – Residents of Milton, Florida, are receiving vital support from the nonprofit Operation BBQ Relief as they work to recover from Hurricane Isaias. The city was hit particularly hard by the storm, leaving many without power and struggling to return to normal life, including obtaining hot meals.
Utility crews are actively engaged in restoring electricity, but for numerous residents, the path to recovery has been challenging. Deborah Farmer, a Milton resident, shared her personal hardship, stating that her power had been out since Friday night at 7 p.m. Farmer noted she had purchased $100 worth of groceries just the week before the storm, all of which had to be discarded when the power failed. She expressed immense gratitude for the assistance, explaining that without help, she didn't know what she would do, particularly after recent personal losses.
Operation BBQ Relief established a camp in Milton a couple of days ago, drawing volunteers from across the country. These 20 to 30 individuals work around the clock, cooking and packaging food. The prepared meals are then transported to various distribution sites throughout the area, where they are served to residents. At the Milton site alone, approximately 1,000 people received lunch on Tuesday, with distributions planned for both lunch and dinner at some locations.
Dawn Hastings, a volunteer with Operation BBQ Relief, highlighted the profound impact of their efforts on the affected community. Hastings observed that "Some people have no power, no shower, they’re just devastated." She noted the deep appreciation from residents for a hot meal, emphasizing that such gestures, while seemingly simple, can go a long way in providing comfort and support during difficult times. Hastings also commented on the spirit of community, stating that during disasters, people come together to help one another.
For residents like Deborah Farmer, the arrival of Operation BBQ Relief's meals came at a critical moment. Farmer expressed her relief, saying she was happy that people in Milton and surrounding areas had helped, allowing her to take a hot meal home to her husband. She anticipated being able to get a shower and relax for the remainder of the day.
Volunteers with Operation BBQ Relief plan to continue distributing meals throughout the rest of the week. Those interested in donating or volunteering can find more information on Operation BBQ Relief's website. Bulk orders can also be placed via a dedicated phone line, supporting the organization's ongoing relief operations.
