By Anita Miller
WIMBERLEY – He is, admittedly, out in the “middle of nowhere.”
But actually, given the constantly-connected state we’re all a part of nowadays, Rob Moon is right around the corner. Moreover, Moon recognizes that because of COVID-19 and other factors, people everywhere are hurting.
Believing a hand up is better than a hand out, Moon figured his best way to help was simple: Putting a free pulled-pork sandwich in every hand that needs one.
From his driveway at 5995 Mount Gainor Road between Wimberley and Dripping Springs, Moon gives out free sandwiches every Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., averaging about 30 sandwiches a week, which he says for four is about a $20 value.
Since the first week in June, Moon has been smoking pork every Wednesday, then giving away sandwiches the next day from under a colorful canopy decorated in red, white and blue.
“I just wanted to do something,” he said, “with the COVID situation and millions unemployed. “Back in these hills where I live are a lot of working class people. I thought probably I could do something to help people at the margins. People are very, very thankful when they stop.”
Moon has also launched a web page, helpinhandsbbq, which includes a quote from Oscar Wilde: “One is not always happy when one is good; but one is always good when one is happy.”
Each Tuesday, Moon puts out homemade signs for free barbecue in tough times.
To be sure, his ranch is remote, located “25 minutes from civilization, halfway between Wimberley and Dripping Springs.” Even so, stopping by his little stand is catching on. About one-third of his business each week is repeat customers, others simply saw the signs. “I think people are starting to spread the word a little bit,” he says. “The last two weeks I had people from Henly, 30 miles away.”
Moon says he’s in it for the long haul, though he’s ready to be done with 100-degree heat.
“I look forward to doing this in October, look at it that way.”
