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 deployed to Asheville, NC, and Newberry, FL, to provide relief.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers as these communities grapple with the aftermath of Helene. We invite volunteers to join us in Asheville to assist with our relief efforts. For live updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@MercyChefs).
A Day in the Life in Asheville
October 22, 2024
In Asheville, NC, our team starts the day at 6:30 AM, pulling together everything needed to prepare up to 14,000 meals daily. This is made possible by the hard work of our chefs, the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and God’s provision. As one of our team members shared, “It’s magic. It’s God…We’re constantly being lifted, and a way is made for us to do this day in and day out.” We continue to serve chef-prepared meals to Hurricane Helene survivors in western North Carolina, providing over 204,000 meals to date. To continue supporting our relief efforts, please donate here.
Pillars of Support in Western North Carolina
October 18, 2024
Hurricane Helene’s destruction of roads, power lines, and cell towers in western North Carolina left many communities isolated and vulnerable, raising concerns about finding local partners to support our efforts. Thankfully, schools, community centers, and churches—especially in and around Asheville—rose to the occasion. They opened their doors as meal distribution points and mobilized volunteers, enabling us to reach more people in need. We are deeply grateful to these community pillars for making it possible to feed body and soul in western North Carolina.
There are No Wrong Turns
October 17, 2024
During a meal distribution, one of our staff members took a wrong turn, stumbling upon a community center where he met Chef Clarence. This dedicated local chef has been raising funds and using his own resources to purchase groceries, serving around 240 meals daily to those in need in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Inspired by his dedication, Mercy Chefs is now providing him with daily groceries, allowing him to focus on feeding his neighbors. Although this was an unexpected discovery, we are honored to empower local chefs to uplift their communities. Help us continue making a difference in the lives of people like Chef Clarence.
Serving Alongside Michael Waltrip
October 16, 2024
Professional NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip joined us in Asheville to support Mercy Chefs’ efforts in feeding communities recovering from Hurricane Helene. He plated meals alongside our volunteers, toured our mobile kitchen to learn about meal preparation, and generously donated cases of water for a local church to distribute. We’re grateful to Michael for dedicating his time to our mission and serving western North Carolina with us. Thank you to our supporters for enabling us to continue this vital work.
Serving a Hospital Community
October 13, 2024
When Mercy Chefs reached Asheville, NC, in the wake of Hurricane Helene, we saw the urgent need for food. A local hospital was rationing meals between patients and staff as resources ran out. We stepped in, providing daily meals and ensuring healthcare workers could focus on caring for their community. So far, we’ve delivered over 171,000 meals in response to Helene, with two teams working tirelessly across two states You can help us continue delivering meals to survivors and first responders in western North Carolina by donating today.
Feeding Body and Soul
October 9, 2024
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the community of Old Fort, NC, faced devastating destruction. Our team went door-to-door, offering hot meals to those grappling with the sudden loss of their homes. As we listened to the stories of these individuals, like Brooke, we felt compelled to lift them up in prayer. At Mercy Chefs, it’s more than just feeding the body; it’s also about feeding the soul. Thanks to our faithful supporters, we have served over 133,000 meals to those affected by this disaster. Donate today to help us deliver not just hot meals but also messages of hope and comfort.
A second response is en route to Florida in response to Hurricane Milton. Stay tuned for updates here.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
October 8, 2024
We are deeply grateful for the support from our incredible volunteers, many of whom have traveled from out of state to help feed the people of North Carolina. We always say volunteers are the backbone of our disaster deployments. They are the force multipliers who help our team distribute thousands of hot meals daily. Thank you to our volunteers for being the hands and feet that help serve those in need. Volunteer opportunities in North Carolina are available here.
Providing 109,000+ Meals for Hurricane Helene Victims
October 7, 2024
Our team remains dedicated to serving western North Carolina, providing relief to the hardest-hit areas like Swannanoa and Bat Cave, where families have lost everything to mudslides and washed-out roads. We’ve met individuals like 82-year-old Richard, a lifelong Bat Cave resident, whose stories capture the deep impact of this devastation. Thanks to your generosity, Mercy Chefs has already delivered over 109,000 meals to those affected by Hurricane Helene. The road to recovery is long, but with your continued support, we can sustain this vital lifeline of relief.
Partnering with The Bridge Church
October 5, 2024
In Hendersonville, NC, we have partnered with The Bridge Church to serve children and families whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Helene. One volunteer, after her daughter’s room was struck by a falling tree, is now helping us feed her community. Mercy Chefs is inspired by the resilience of the people in western North Carolina as they navigate loss and recovery. Your support can make a lasting impact by providing critical relief to so many in western North Carolina. Donate today to help.
Serving More Than 60,000 Meals
October 4, 2024
Mercy Chefs is actively serving hot meals in western North Carolina, including 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 now 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 lasting impact by providing immediate relief to storm victims. Just $3.50 can help deliver a hot meal to someone in need.
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