Mercy Chefs Deploys to Oahu Following Catastrophic Flooding

PORTSMOUTH, VA – Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based nonprofit specializing in disaster relief, has deployed to Oahu, HI, in response to unprecedented flooding that has prompted widespread evacuations and displaced residents across the island. 

The heavy rains have led to the island’s worst flooding in 20 years, leaving communities devastated and unsure of where their next meal will come from. The nonprofit will begin serving hot, chef-prepared meals this evening to families, first responders, and volunteers navigating the ongoing crisis. 

In addition to response efforts on Oahu, Mercy Chefs anticipates supporting relief operations on Maui, which also has been impacted by the storms. 

The organization’s previous deployment during the 2023 Maui wildfires helped establish strong local partnerships across the region. After serving nearly 74,000 meals in response to the disaster, those relationships now enable the team to return with a faster, more efficient response. 

“Our hearts are with the families and communities impacted by this devastating flooding,” said Gary LeBlanc, founder and CEO of Mercy Chefs. “When we served in Maui following the wildfires, we witnessed both the depth of the need and the strength of the community. Local churches and partner organizations came alongside us, enabling us to serve in a way that honored the spirit of ʻohana, caring for one another as family. Because of those relationships, we can return and respond more quickly, supporting the people of Oahu with a hot meal during this difficult time.” 

Mercy Chefs was founded 20 years ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when LeBlanc volunteered in New Orleans and was troubled by the lack of safe, high-quality food available to disaster victims. Today, the organization has provided more than 35 million restaurant-quality meals across the country and around the world. 

To support Mercy Chefs in relief efforts, visit mercychefs.com/hawaii-flood-2026. Follow Mercy Chefs on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on relief efforts.