There was no good reason not to help those affected by the tornado in Onalaska, said Daniel McBride, general manager of the Meating Place BBQ & Bakery.
“Why not?” he said. “People were hungry.”
A tornado touched down and struck the city of Onalaska April 22, with peak winds of 140 mph, leaving 33 residents injured and three others dead, according to the National Weather Service.
McBride said he spoke with the Polk County commissioner prior to going to Onalaska on April 24, to know how much food the restaurant should bring.
“They gave us an idea of how much to send out, basically 400-500 sandwiches, drinks and chips,” he said.
Owner Buddy Adams said the residents responded appreciatively, with many saying they were astounded the donations came from Pinehurst to Onalaska— about an hour and 50 minute drive pulling a trailer.
“They didn’t have electricity or any real way to cook, so we figured we’d go provide a hot meal for them,” he said.
Adams said Onalaska residents also took the donated meals out to those who were affected by the tornado and unable to leave their properties.
This was not the first time The Meating Place donated food to those in need, however. On April 20-21, the restaurant also donated food to HCA Tomball.
“Once for the day shift and once for the night shift,” McBride said. “[We served] about 550 people.”
McBride said they have also served first responders including Tomball police and fire departments.
“I feel like they go above and beyond to meet the needs of the community, so why didn’t we?” Adams said.
The Meating Place BBQ & Bakery is still open for business through its drive-thru and can take orders by phone at 281-259-6328.
