Chef Gary and Ann LeBlanc founded Mercy Chefs in 2006 after the devastation and massive impact that Hurricane Katrina left on Gary’s hometown of New Orleans. Gary, being a Louisiana native, felt compelled for the first time in his life to volunteer. At the time, he was broken by what he witnessed in his hometown of New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The devastation was so intense and widespread. Lives were completely disrupted, and the community was in ruins. 

After Katrina, he saw first-hand the incredible difference a hot meal could make, but after 35 years in the hospitality industry, Gary was surprised and outraged by the quality of food being served.

He knew something more needed to be done, and the idea of serving high-quality, chef-prepared meals in a disaster zone occupied his mind for months afterward. Soon after, Mercy Chefs was born. Gary and his wife, Ann, have been serving side by side for over 18 years since the Lord called them to “feed people; just go feed people.” From disaster zones across the country and around the globe to serving people right in their own backyard, Mercy Chefs has served over 27 million meals, with many more to come.