An unprecedented food crisis is leaving those who serve our nation and their families without meals.
With the ongoing government shutdown, active-duty military personnel are still required to serve, even with delayed pay. Nearly two out of five enlisted service members face some level of food insecurity and live paycheck to paycheck—a reality made harder by the shutdown. For many, this means empty shelves and hungry nights just as the holidays approach.
Mercy Chefs is launching Feed the Force, a nationwide grocery box distribution.
Through our Community Kitchens, Beacon of Hope Kitchens, and Strike Kitchens located across the U.S., Mercy Chefs is delivering Family Grocery Boxes to military families affected by this crisis. Each box provides ingredients for up to 50 meals, offering comfort, dignity, and stability during these uncertain times.
November 7, 2025
Hope at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida
During our recent distribution at Tyndall Air Force Base, we met Master Sergeant Flowers, who shared the heavy burden many airmen carry in not knowing where their next meal will come from. In partnership with NorthStar Church Calloway Campus, Mercy Chefs provided 500 Family Grocery Boxes—equivalent to 25,000 meals—to these active-duty service members.
Panama City Beach, FL, is just one of many stops for Feed the Force. From Virginia to Texas and Kentucky, our team is continuing to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Help us continue serving those who serve our nation with strength and compassion.
November 6, 2025
From Uncertainty to a Stocked Pantry
Feed the Force distributions continue across the country. This week, at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, the gratitude among military families receiving Family Grocery Boxes and fresh produce has been overwhelming.
Kylie Reeves, whose husband is a young airman, is expecting their third child the same week Mercy Chefs arrived. With the ongoing government shutdown, she didn’t know how they would manage, until she received a box. “My husband and I are in awe at the fact that it comes with 50 meals. It’s nice, it comes with a recipe card so he can cook dinner after the baby is born.”
Now, the Reeves family can focus on welcoming their baby with a stocked pantry and renewed hope. We’re honored to serve military families, and with your continued generosity, we’ll keep feeding the force.
November 5, 2025
Standing with Families in Norfolk
This week in Norfolk, VA, Mercy Chefs partnered with the Fleet and Family Readiness Program to serve military families facing an unprecedented food crisis. Together, we distributed 500 Family Grocery Boxes and bags of fresh produce. Service members stood side by side, volunteering to help their peers. The line stretched as far as the eye could see. Every box was given out, but hundreds of cars were still waiting.
We are preparing to return with more boxes, and your support helps make this possible. No family should face hunger in a time of uncertainty.
October 31, 2025
Serving Families Near & Far
Our Feed the Force initiative continues to help military families affected by the ongoing government shutdown. Today, alongside NorthStar Church, we delivered 500 Family Grocery Boxes and 500 bags of fresh produce to families at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida—and we’ll continue reaching more bases in the weeks ahead.
At the same time, Mercy Chefs is responding globally, assisting communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica and Cuba. As Chef Gary LeBlanc shares, it’s through friends like you that we can meet needs both near and far. Thank you for standing with us as we serve families worldwide.
October 24, 2025
A Message of Gratitude for Our Heroes
As the government shutdown enters its 24th day, active-duty military personnel continue to work without pay, leaving countless families struggling to put food on the table. Founder and CEO Chef Gary LeBlanc shares the heart behind Feed the Force.
In the coming weeks, Mercy Chefs will distribute more Family Grocery Boxes through our church partners and network of kitchens. Join us as we thank our heroes in a tangible way, serving military families across Virginia, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, and beyond.
October 19, 2025
A Day of Joy & Community in Portsmouth
Our Portsmouth Community Kitchen joined the local fall festival this weekend, serving hot meals and Family Grocery Boxes to families across the community, including many from the Coast Guard.
With the government shutdown creating uncertainty around pay, this event became more than just a celebration. It was a moment to come together, share a meal, and remind our service members and neighbors that they’re not alone. We’re proud to call Portsmouth, VA, home and to serve those who serve our nation. As we continue Feed the Force, your gift helps us reach more military families in need.
Make a Donation
Your support delivers Family Grocery Boxes—each costing $50—packed with pantry staples, protein, and spices, providing up to 50 meals per box.
- $100 provides two boxes (up to 100 meals)
- $250 provides five boxes (up to 250 meals)
- $500 provides 10 boxes (up to 500 meals)
Together, we can bring hope to those who serve our nation.
