Multi-State Response Delivers Relief to Tornado-Stricken Communities

May 17, 2025

Multi-State Response Delivers Relief to Tornado-Stricken Communities

PORTSMOUTH, VA – Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based nonprofit that provides hot, nutritious meals during disasters, has launched a multi-state response following a series of deadly tornadoes that tore through parts of Kentucky and Missouri.

Mercy Chefs mobilized to London, KY, with a second team on the ground in St. Louis, MS. Hot, professionally prepared meals began being served on Sunday, May 18, to storm victims, first responders, and volunteers aiding in recovery efforts.

“The devastation caused by last night’s tornadoes is heartbreaking, and our prayers are with all those affected,” said Gary LeBlanc, Founder and CEO of Mercy Chefs. “These violent storms have claimed lives and left entire communities without power, shelter, or access to food, and we are committed to serving these communities with hope and compassion.”

A Mercy Chefs meal
Tornado victims in Missouri receiving Mercy Chefs meals
A Mercy Chefs volunteer preparing meals for tornado victims in Missouri

Founded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Mercy Chefs was born from LeBlanc’s concern over the quality of food being provided to disaster survivors. Nearly two decades later, the organization has served more than 30 million restaurant-quality meals across the U.S. and internationally.

To follow and support Mercy Chefs’ tornado relief efforts in Kentucky and Missouri, please visit here.

Media Contact & Visuals

ABOUT MERCY CHEFS  

Mercy Chefs is a 501(c)(3) founded in 2006 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The organization exists to provide professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in natural disasters and national emergencies, and partners with existing ministries with food service in underserved communities across the country and around the globe. Since its founding, Mercy Chefs has served more than 35 million meals. In 2020, Mercy Chefs founder Gary LeBlanc was recognized by Southern Living Magazine as a “Hometown Hero,” and Mercy Chefs was named the 2020 Small Business of the Year in the nonprofit category by Inside Business and the Hampton Roads Chamber. Mercy Chefs has also been featured in major news outlets, such as CNN, Fox News, NBC News, PBS, and ABC News. For more information, visit mercychefs.com.

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with Mercy Chefs’ disaster responses, outreaches, and events by signing up below!