Mercy Chefs Deploys to Colombia Following Deadly Earthquake

PORTSMOUTH, VA – Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based nonprofit specializing in disaster relief, is responding in Colombia as the death toll continues to rise from this week’s devastating earthquake. Members from the organization’s global disaster response team are already on the ground. 

Drawing on experience responding to some of the world’s largest earthquake disasters, including most recently in neighboring Venezuela, the team will serve hot, chef-prepared meals near the epicenter and rapidly scale operations based on need. Mercy Chefs expects to serve thousands of hot, chef-prepared meals each day in the hardest-hit communities. 

For this response, Mercy Chefs Global is working through a trusted church partner in Latin America who has also been instrumental in the organization’s ongoing earthquake response in neighboring Venezuela. Through that relationship, the team is connecting with churches and local leaders in Colombia to quickly reach communities with the greatest need. 

“Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Colombia as they face unimaginable loss,” said Gary LeBlanc, founder and CEO of Mercy Chefs. “Because of the trusted relationships we’ve built throughout Central and South America, we’re able to make connections on the ground and move quickly when disaster strikes. We know firsthand from our response just across the border in Venezuela how devastating an earthquake can be and how long the road to recovery can feel. We are committed to showing up, serving hot meals, and feeding body and soul in the difficult days ahead.”

Mercy Chefs was founded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when LeBlanc volunteered in New Orleans and was deeply troubled by the little-to-no- food safety measures being provided to disaster victims. Twenty years later, the organization he founded has provided more than 38 million restaurant-quality meals across the country and around the globe.  

To support Mercy Chefs’ relief efforts in Colombia, visit give.mercychefs.com/colombia-earthquake-2026. Follow Mercy Chefs on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on relief efforts.