Hurricane Helene Response
Helene Updates
Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Big Bend and the Southeast on the night of September 26 as a powerful Category 4 storm with 140 MPH winds and severe flooding. The storm left millions without power, shelter, food, and water. Hundreds of lives have been claimed. In response, Mercy Chefs is serving thousands of meals to victims in Newberry, FL, and Asheville, NC.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers as these communities grapple with the aftermath of Helene. We invite volunteers to join us in Newberry and Asheville to assist with our relief efforts. For live updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@MercyChefs).
Serving More Than 60,000 Meals
October 4, 2024
Mercy Chefs is actively serving hot meals in Asheville, Swannanoa, Flat Rock, and Marshall. For specific times and locations, please check our latest social media post.
In Florida, we are concluding our meal deliveries. We have served over 60,000 meals in response to Hurricane Helene. Thank you for partnering with us to feed body and soul across North Carolina and Florida.
Delivering Clean Water to Western North Carolina
October 3, 2024
Mercy Chefs delivered meals and clean water to towns and villages across the region, including the severely impacted area of Black Mountain. With limited access to food, water, and power, many residents have been forced to collect water from the roads. As Western North Carolina braces for weeks without running water, the need remains urgent. Your generous donations enable us to bring critical relief such as clean water to these small communities from our base in Asheville.
Over 42,000 Meals and Counting
October 2, 2024
We have distributed meals to families in western North Carolina, including Marshall, Hendersonville, and surrounding communities. For many, this was their first hot meal since Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters devastated their homes and businesses, and we remain committed to delivering relief daily.
In Florida, thanks to the generous support of a local pastor in Newberry, Mercy Chefs was able to deliver meals by airplane to Ashburn, GA, from a local airport. More than 42,000 meals have been served in response to Helene. To help us continue reaching more communities affected by Helene, please consider making a donation today.
First Meals in North Carolina
October 1, 2024
Mercy Chefs is on the ground in Asheville, NC. We distributed our first meals—Southwest peppers and chicken over rice with coleslaw, buttered biscuits, fresh berries, and muffins—to hospital staff and rural communities, like Marshall, deeply affected by Hurricane Helene. With your donation, we can reach even more people in urgent need than we ever thought possible.
Reaching Nearly 20,000 Meals
September 30, 2024
Mercy Chefs is continuing our vital work in Florida, having provided nearly 20,000 meals since Thursday, while our second response team prepares to serve Asheville, NC. We have distributed meals to families and the local fire department in Horseshoe Beach, where Hurricane Helene has devastated homes and buildings. This is one of our largest deployments of the year, and your contribution is crucial to sustaining this lifeline.
Second Team Deployed to Asheville, NC
September 29, 2024
Mercy Chefs is mobilizing a second team to Asheville, NC, where Helene has caused devastation reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina. Severe flooding has left many stranded and without basic necessities, and the demand for assistance is at an all-time high. With your support, we can deliver thousands of hot meals to storm victims in Florida and North Carolina.
Feeding More Florida Communities
September 28, 2024
Mercy Chefs distributed lunch and dinner in Crystal River, Cedar Key, and Perry—communities still recovering from recent storms like Hurricane Debby. In Cedar Key, our team met Sonya Jurdy, a retired schoolteacher returning home for the first time since Helene struck Florida. She loved our meal and praised the carrots. Your faithful support will enable Mercy Chefs to extend our relief efforts to more hard-hit areas beyond our relief operations in Newberry.
First Meals in Newberry, FL
September 27, 2024
Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Big Bend with 140 MPH winds, causing severe flooding and power outages across the Southeast. Over four million customers have been impacted. Mercy Chefs is partnering with Destiny Community Church in Newberry, FL, to launch relief efforts. We served our first meals: Cajun chicken pasta, green beans, breadsticks, fresh berries, and muffins. As we continue providing meals throughout the weekend, your generosity can make an impact.
Mercy Chefs Feeding Emergency Workers Ahead of Storm
September 26, 2024
Hurricane Helene is set to make landfall today as a Category 4 storm. Mercy Chefs is already on the ground, with our fleet ready just outside the impact zone. We’ve served meals to first responders in Bay County, FL, ahead of the storm. Your support can provide much-needed meals within the first 48 hours after Helene hits here.
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Make a Donation
Make a lasting impact by providing immediate relief to storm victims. Just $3.50 can help deliver a hot meal to someone in need.
Become a Volunteer
Join our team in making a difference! Sign up today to become a local volunteer in Newberry, FL, or Asheville, NC.
Contact Us
For questions on how you, your church, or your organization can get involved with Mercy Chefs, please complete the form below.