Community Kitchens & Outreach
"Our mission is to feed people. It isn't to feed people just in disasters; it's to feed people in need."
These words from our CoFounder and President, Ann LeBlanc, became the driving force behind Mercy Chefs’ Community Kitchens and Outreach division. We’ve expanded our mission, using our kitchens, volunteers, and culinary expertise to serve those facing food insecurity every day, not just in times of crisis.
Through local partnerships, we address the ongoing needs of food-insecure communities nationwide.
What began in 2019 as a dream in our hometown of Portsmouth, VA, has grown into a network of Community Kitchens, including locations in Nashville, TN; Richmond, VA; and Black Mountain, NC—with more on the way. These kitchens extend our mission beyond disaster zones, creating a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
Each kitchen serves more than meals; they offer hope, connection, and transformation.
Week after week, we provide hot, nutritious meals to low-income families, single parents, seniors, children in after-school programs, and more. Our kitchens also offer:
Cooking classes and healthy meal preparation.
Job and life-skill training for long-term stability.
- Holiday events and summer outreaches.
Our Locations
For more information, please contact Thomas Yager at thomas@mercychefs.com.
Our inaugural kitchen was born from a dream to serve our neighbors in 2019. Located at our headquarters, it continues to provide weekly meals and offer culinary training to youth and families across Hampton Roads.
711 Washington St.
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Launched in 2021, our second kitchen meets the needs of a city hit hard by the pandemic and food insecurity. Alongside church partners, we serve hundreds of meals weekly to those facing homelessness and hardship.
15354 Old Hickory Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37211
Our third location, opened in 2023, focuses on cooking, nutrition, and cultivating sustainable produce. Just up the road from our headquarters, we’re honored to expand our mission in another Virginia community.
2500 Nine Mile Rd.
Richmond, VA 23223
Established in 2025, our newest kitchen is serving the Tampa community, extending hope and hospitality to neighbors in need. Each week, we serve hot meals and are committed to meeting local needs.
2011 E. Sleigh Ave., Bldg 3
Tampa, FL 33610
Established in 2024 as part of our long-term relief efforts in Western North Carolina, this kitchen provides strength and nourishment through weekly hot meals and groceries to families recovering from Hurricane Helene.
2222 Fern Way
Black Mountain, NC 28711
In response to the devastating Texas floods, we opened a long-term brick-and-mortar kitchen to continue walking alongside a community reeling from loss. Each week, we serve meals to those still impacted.
610 Methodist Encampment Rd.
Kerrville, TX 78028