Our Story

After our founder, Richard Cochran, retired from the Schwans Food Company and opened BBQ restaurants in Central Nebraska, he wanted to help communities in times of disaster. He reflected on the time he lived close to Joplin, Missouri, during the tornado in 2011 and provided food to the victims and first responders in the heart of the devastation.  This sparked the idea for Hot Meals USA; he wanted to outfit disaster response cooking units ready to deploy to areas to provide warm, safe food to victims, volunteers, and first responders after a disaster.  What started with one trailer, has now grown to four trailers, all with the capability of serving up to 10,000 meals per day.  We have a small staff of three people, and an invaluable relationship with volunteers, who truly make it all work! With the support of donors and sponsors, Hot Meals USA will continue to grow and impact citizens when they need it most.

Founder Richard Cochran tells how service at a time of disaster lead to the
beginning of Hot Meals USA.

Our Mission

The Mission of Hot Meals USA is to provide people and resources to feed others (first responders and victims) in times of disaster using mobile equipment with the capability to feed thousands regardless of conditions on the ground.

Our Values

In difficult times people need a hand up more than a hand out. By inviting local people to come join us in cooking for, and serving, their neighbors we have the opportunity to turn victims into volunteers.

Our Methods

The method of delivering these capabilities
– feed thousands regardless of conditions –
is to transport people, supplies, and equipment using trailers that can be pulled by pickups to the location of need.

Our Vision

It is our vision to equip and forward position a cooking unit in each of the 10 FEMA districts. In doing so, we will be able to provide rapid response as well as long term food recovery support in times of disaster. 

Disaster Response

  • 2019 Nebraska Floods
  • 2020 Iowa Derecho
  • 2021 Kentucky Tornado
  • 2022 Red Willow, Nebraska Fire
  • 2022 Halsey National Forest Fire
  • 2024 Eastern Nebraska Tornado

COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Served over 150,000 meals via delivery and pickup in our local community
  • Distributed 1,300,000 USDA food boxes to six Midwest States.

Serving Locally

  • Every year, we provide a Christmas meal to approximately 2000 local residents in need, as well as area first responders and hospital personnel.
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