Tennessee Tornado Relief

Tornado Relief Updates

Dozens of tornadoes have devastated the Midwest and South, leaving thousands without power and many without homes. Entire communities are in ruins, and families urgently need a hot, nourishing meal. In hard-hit Selmer, TN, Mercy Chefs is on the ground, working with local partners to provide relief. With life-threatening flooding still a concern in the region, the need is critical. Please join us in prayer and support.

For live updates and meal distribution times, follow @MercyChefs on Facebook and Instagram.

Severely damaged home in Selmer, TN, following the devastating tornado outbreak.

March 19, 2025

Comforting Meals for Devastated Communities

The destruction in Mississippi is staggering—entire homes reduced to rubble, massive trees torn from the ground, and families mourning unimaginable loss. We’ve met survivors who came face-to-face with the storm, linemen working around the clock to restore power, and volunteers stepping up to help their neighbors clear debris.

Every hot meal we serve is a moment of comfort and relief. Mercy Chefs has already provided thousands of meals to those affected by these devastating storms. It’s an honor to stand with communities in their darkest hours. But we cannot do it alone. Help us bring more hope, one meal at a time.

April 10, 2025

Serving with Heart in McNairy County

This week, we’ve seen the heart of Mercy Chefs on full display, from serving hot meals to walking alongside families beginning to rebuild after devastating tornadoes in Tennessee.

Many families are mourning loved ones lost from the storm, while others are preparing to welcome new life in the midst of destruction. We’ve had the honor of delivering meals for funeral services, providing essential baby supplies, and simply being present to pray with those in need.

Through every meal served, we’re offering hope and comfort. Thank you for helping us feed body and soul in the wake of disaster.

April 8, 2025

Restoring Hope and Peace through Hot Meals

In the wake of a disaster, a hot meal can offer strength, comfort, hope, and a moment of peace to those facing long days of clean-up and heartache.

“When you get a hot meal, when you’re out on your feet for, you know, 12–13 hours…it’s joyful,” said Chris, a local firefighter in Selmer who has been serving his community.

At Mercy Chefs, we know that during times like these, a meal is more than just food—it’s a powerful reminder that help is here. Your support can bring hope and peace to those facing uncertainty after the storm.

April 7, 2025

Strength in the Storm

Across McNairy County, the stories we’re hearing are both heartbreaking and hopeful. Survivors describe the tornado as a freight train tearing through their lives. But even amid the rubble, hope and strength are rising as survivors come together to lift one another.

Rodney, a teacher who lost his home, told us, “When we see these young people coming around, it’s a blessing to our hearts.”

Mercy Chefs remains on the ground in Selmer, serving hot, chef-prepared meals as families take their next steps toward rebuilding. Help us provide strength and nourishment as many face the long road to recovery.

April 6, 2025

A Miraculous Escape: Wesley's Story

When the tornado tore through their town, Wesley and his family took shelter under a flipped couch, but the storm tried to pull his pregnant wife and son from his arms. By God’s grace, a wall pinned Wesley’s leg just enough for him to hold onto his family and survive.

“I’m usually the one that helps in the disasters,” shared Wesley as he received a hot meal. “But to receive it…to see God put [people] to help, as human beings, it’s very heartwarming.”

We are honored to serve families like Wesley’s in Tennessee. Your donation today can provide a hot meal and restore a sense of normalcy to those recovering from this storm.

April 5, 2025

A Community United Through Compassion

Following the wreckage left behind by the tornadoes, something remarkable is unfolding—compassion in action. Mercy Chefs is partnering with local churches to serve thousands of nourishing meals to those affected by the storm, including first responders and rescue crews who are working tirelessly. We’ve witnessed neighbors helping neighbors—clearing debris and even hand-delivering meals to each other. Founder and CEO Chef Gary LeBlanc shares an update on our relief efforts from the ground.

This vital work is only possible because of you. As we extend our reach into more impacted communities, will you continue to help us provide thousands more? Thank you for joining us in feeding body and soul across Tennessee.

Chef John holding a Mercy Chefs meal in Selmer, TN.

April 4, 2025

Providing Hope Amid the Storm

In the aftermath of an EF-3 tornado, families in Selmer, TN, are facing unimaginable loss. Homes have been destroyed, lives forever changed. With more severe weather in the forecast, the weight of grief and uncertainty grows heavier by the day.

Mercy Chefs arrived in less than 24 hours. Today, we served our first hot, chef-prepared meals: hearty chicken Alfredo pasta, fresh salad, warm garlic breadsticks, and chocolate fluff cake. These meals are just the beginning.

The people of Selmer need support now more than ever. Will you stand with us to bring hope to families in need?

Mercy Chefs volunteers preparing salad for tornado victims in Selmer, TN.

Become a Volunteer

The people of Selmer need your help! Join our team on the ground as a local volunteer! Together, we can make a difference for tornado victims.

Contact Us

For more information on how you, your church, or your organization can support our relief efforts, please complete the form below.

A young girl in a truck with boxes of hot Mercy Chefs meals following an EF-3 tornado in Selmer, TN.