Nonprofit serves thousands of meals to firefighters battling wildfires

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — As firefighters continue working long hours to contain wildfires across central Nebraska, a nonprofit organization is stepping in to make sure they stay fed.

Hot Meals USA has deployed to North Platte, organizing volunteers and supplies to provide hot meals for crews on the front lines.

The group is currently planning to serve around 600 firefighters per meal, totaling roughly 1,800 meals each day as crews battle the fires.

“The big thing is getting people lined up as well as that food order, so that when we show up, we can start cooking right away and providing meals right away,” said Hot Meals USA Corporate Communications Manager Brenda Cochran.

Volunteers play a key role in the operation, with around 10 to 20 people helping during each shift to prepare, package, and distribute meals.

Food is then transported from North Platte to nearby areas, including Ogallala, where most firefighters are based.

“The firefighters are very appreciative to get the meals, but what I have heard a lot from them is, ‘thank you for letting us come and help you,’” said Cochran.

With wildfire response efforts ongoing, the group says it plans to continue serving meals through the week and expand operations if needed.

Officials say donations help offset the cost of providing meals, and those interested can find more information here.