We recently connected with Amanda Riggan and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

Hungry Heroes was founded in honor of men and women that serve others daily and place their own lives at risk to protect the community. In 2018 in my hometown, Rock Hill, South Carolina detective Mike Doty was killed in the line of duty. Finding a way to help heal my broken community I begin catering in a hot BBQ meal for all 1st responding agencies in my community. These heroes sacrifice daily to serve and protect in our own backyards. Often times having to skip meals due to an abundance of calls. Not only do these men and women serve daily I personally think they are underpaid and under appreciated.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

In 2018 I was a delivery driver for FedEx when an ambush on Police Officers occurred in my hometown York County SC, resulting in the line if duty death of Det. Mike Doty. On the day of his funeral, I was on my delivery route when I witnessed the funeral procession and saw a line of police cars from all over the country that came to pay respect to their brother in blue. I sat on the side of the road in my truck watching them go by with tears in my eyes and an overwhelming sense of appreciation for all they they do. I personally have never seen my community so broken. On month prior to the tragedy I was gifted a Traeger Grill for Christmas. I had become obsessed with all things BBQ and the grill was my new outlet. I went home that night and I couldn’t stop thinking about what I could do to tanagibly help heal my community. I opened the fridge and it hit me, feed them! I called the local Police Department and asked if I could bring a BBQ meal that same week. That one gesture grew into serving all first responding agencies that I could reach, police, fire, medics, dispatchers and shortly after Active military and Veterans. To me, cooking for others is special, its a family style atmosphere wether the heroes have to make it “to go” or often times we all sit as a family and enjoy the meal. Often times these men and women are so busy on calls they meals while on duty. I believe our nations heroes are underpaid and under appreciated, my goal is stay say “Hey we see you, and we appreciate your sacrifices”. Every chance I had to tell the story and serve only grew the mission. From hometown support, social media, to major news outlets, radio and TV, Hungry Heroes became a nationwide nonprofit. Hungry Heroes has currently served over 50k first responders nationwide. If you’re reading this please know from my experience we all can make a difference, using what talents you have to show kindness can change lives.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social Media is a major way to connect with others. From the start of Hungry Heroes id do my best to keep my friends, family and community up to date by posting what’s happening including pics, videos and testimonies of my entire journey from cooking to serving at the agencies or military bases.

Roughly one year after Hungry Heroes was founded, I encountered a customer on my delivery route who shared with me her husband was dying, I left that stop and immediately started crying, knowing a stranger just felt vulnerable and comfortable enough to share with me something so personal. I turned around, went back to her house, rang the door bell and asked if could pray for her. Its the only thing I knew to do, with open arms I hugged this lady and comforted her while praying.

Once I got back in my delivery truck I took a moment to share the incredible encounter that happened on my Facebook page, not mentioning any personal details but just hoping to encourage others to be available and vigilant to those we come in contact with.

I woke up the next morning and the post had gone viral, over 22 million views. Overwhelmed by the response I was speechless. That act of kindness landed me on all media outlets, and even The Steve Harvey Show. That one act is what catapulted Hungry Heroes nationwide.

My advice is always be real, followers relate to being “real”. If you run a business its not just about the business pages, in our personal lives its important to be transparent and model genuine integrity in all aspects of our lives. We are our own walking build board.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Hungry Heroes was roughly two years old when the covid pandemic hit. I had no idea how this was going to effect the mission but I did know it would ultimately not look like the same serving events as what I was use to. With all of the restrictions and mandates changing we had to think outside the box. I begin doing “drive thru” event at Police and Fire department. We would set up outside in rain, sleet, wind, whatever the weather may be and serve to go hot meals thru the drivers windows. Determined to continue serving. Often times we still use this approach at some venues.

During the pandemic we also started “Stock the Fridge” where Id stock the break rooms of police, fire, EMS, and dispatch departments with snacks, fruit, drinks and quick grab and go meals.

After stock the fridge was formed, I had the idea to find a way to appreciate and include our school resource officers. I noticed while serving at the police departments the school officers do not leave the school campuses. So once a week id visit a school and deliver a hot lunch to the officer.

Stock the fridge and Campuses heroes is still continued today. Ive learned no matter what out nation looks like, what restrictions that have been placed around us theirs always a way to show kindness and give back.      

Contact Info:

• Website: hungryheroesbbq.com
• Instagram: _riggan_ / Hungry Heroes
• Facebook: Amanda Riggan / Hungry Heroes