Chef Gary Discusses Beacon of Hope Plans in Western North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, NC — Chef Gary LeBlanc appeared on the John Boy and Billy Radio Show on November 7 to discuss Mercy Chefs’ ongoing relief efforts in Western North Carolina.

Having provided hundreds of thousands of meals to those affected by Hurricane Helene, the organization recognizes that long-term support is crucial.

Mercy Chefs is searching for a location to establish a “Beacon of Hope” kitchen in Western North Carolina, modeled after the successful initiative launched in Panama City, FL, following Hurricane Michael. The kitchen in Panama City, located in an old school building that was slated for demolition, was renovated by Mercy Chefs and served vital hot meals to the community for nearly two and a half years.

Listen to the full interview below to learn more about the “Beacon of Hope” concept and how Mercy Chefs is employing local chefs in Asheville, NC, impacted by Hurricane Helene.


Inside Mercy Chefs’ Relief Operations

From unloading an entire 18-wheeler of groceries to preparing nutritious, high-quality meals, Mercy Chefs is actively serving families and first responders in Western North Carolina. To support and learn more about our relief efforts in Western North Carolina, please click here.

ABOUT MERCY CHEFS  

Mercy Chefs is a 501c3 founded in 2006 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The organization exists to provide professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in natural disasters and national emergencies and partners with existing ministries with food service in underserved communities around the country. Since its founding, Mercy Chefs has served 29 million meals. In 2020, Mercy Chefs founder Gary LeBlanc was recognized by Southern Living Magazine as a “Hometown Hero,” and Mercy Chefs was named the 2020 Small Business of the Year in the nonprofit category by Inside Business and the Hampton Roads Chamber. Mercy Chefs has also been featured in major news outlets such as CNN, Fox News, NBC News, PBS, and ABC News. For more information, visit mercychefs.com.