Across the country, many military families face ongoing food insecurity.
Rising costs, financial pressures, shutdowns, and unexpected hardships leave many military families struggling to put on the table. Mercy Chefs responded by launching Feed the Force, a nationwide initiative dedicated to providing practical support to military families when they need it most.
Feed the Force delivers groceries, relief, and hope to military families nationwide.
Through Mercy Chefs’ network of kitchens across the U.S., Feed the Force serves Family Grocery Boxes filled with nutritious ingredients and household staples. Each box helps families prepare up to 50 meals at home, easing financial burdens while offering dignity and stability.
June 17, 2026
Setting the Table for Military Families
Military families at Little Creek Naval Base received hope today. Mercy Chefs partnered with the Chaplain’s Office to serve 1,000 hot meals and 300 Family Grocery Boxes, each box containing enough food to help feed a family of four for nearly two weeks. The base chaplain shared, “It’s so awesome that Mercy Chefs shows up in this way, especially for people who just work on the base and families left behind.”
When you become a monthly donor, you remind these heroes that they are never forgotten. As our nation’s 250th birthday approaches, join our community of Table Setters and help provide meals to America’s heroes.
May 4, 2026
"They Mean the World"
Military families face challenges, especially during deployments, when one parent carries the full weight at home. When you give through Feed the Force, you help lighten the load by providing Family Grocery Boxes, giving families one less thing to worry about.
At a recent distribution in Norfolk, we met Kristen, a military spouse who shared how much these boxes mean. Despite the challenges, she spoke of a strong, supportive community and her desire to give back to those in the same position. Continue bringing hope to America’s heroes and the loved ones who stand alongside them through Family Grocery Boxes.
April 29, 2026
Connection & Stability at the Dinner Table
Family Grocery Boxes go beyond a single meal. They help bring stability and connection back to a family’s dinner table. What began as a response to shutdowns and furloughs revealed an ongoing need.
Today, our Feed the Force initiative continues to serve Family Grocery Boxes to military families facing food insecurity, shipyard workers, and contractors supporting our armed forces. At Naval Station Norfolk, families arrived pushing strollers and carrying little ones to pick up boxes. By supporting Feed the Force, you can help ensure these families have reliable access to food and a renewed sense of normalcy at the dinner table.
December 11, 2025
A Need We Can't Ignore
Mercy Chefs served hundreds of military families at Fort Hood, TX, where the need was as overwhelming as the gratitude. All 500 Family Grocery Boxes (nearly 30,000 meals) were gone, with cars stretching down the road as service members waited for help during a difficult season. The morning brimmed with relief, joy, and shared moments of hope.
But boxes ran out within 30 minutes, and several families, including a soldier with a baby seat in the back, had to be turned away. It was a heartbreaking reminder of how many military households are still struggling—a need we cannot ignore. Mercy Chefs is already preparing to return to Fort Hood with another 500 boxes, and your gift today helps families receive the meals they urgently need.
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
When you sponsor a Family Grocery Box, you help provide military families with up to 50 meals. Each box is filled with essential pantry staples, proteins, and spices to support nutritious, home-cooked meals.
- $100 provides 2 boxes (up to 100 meals)
- $350 provides 7 boxes (up to 350 meals)
- $500 provides 10 boxes (up to 500 meals)
