PRESS & MEDIA

Our mission is to just go feed people—both in and out of disasters. Learn the latest news from our most recent efforts all over the world.

In the News

Help in the Wake of Hurricane Idalia

Mercy Chefs mobilizes volunteers to help Florida in the wake of Hurricane Idalia…

Mercy Chefs Serves Tornado Victims

Mercy Chefs is in Tennessee serving victims of a tornado that ravaged the town of Clarksville.

Louisiana struggles to recover from Hurricane Laura.

As Louisiana marks Hurricane Katrina anniversary, hundreds of Laura evacuees stay in New Orleans while help arrives…

What Comfort Food Means to Me

When I was growing up in Louisiana, my grandmother, mom, and aunt would make this homemade concoction…

Mercy Chefs brings meals to the conflict zone in Israel

ABC News’ Stephanie Ramos spoke to Mercy Chefs VP Carl Ladd as the organization works to provide more than 1,000 chef-prepared meals a day to those devastated by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Hope and a Hot Meal in Maui

They have been busy cooking and feeding hundreds of people.

Mercy Chefs Founded in 2006 by Gary LeBlanc

Founders Bios

Chef Gary LeBlanc

Founder and CEO of Mercy Chefs

After 35 years in the hotel restaurant business, Gary LeBlanc unexpectedly discovered his passion while volunteering during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was there in his hometown of New Orleans that Gary first saw the incredible difference that a hot meal can make, but as a volunteer he was surprised and outraged by the quality of food being served.

Though the victims and first responders were grateful for every meal, there was little to no food safety being practiced by the other relief agencies. It was all about fast, cheap and quantity. In the months following his efforts in Louisiana, Gary became inspired to the point of distraction by the idea of excellent food service in a disaster zone.

It was this spark of inspiration that led to the 2006 founding of Mercy Chefs, a national, faith-based nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that serves high quality professionally prepared meals to victims, first responders and volunteers in natural disasters and national emergencies. For 17 years now, Gary has led Mercy Chefs into more than 30 states across the country and 20 countries around the world, serving over 25 million meals since 2006. As Mercy Chefs’ reach expands, Gary consistently remains committed to his original mission to “Just go feed people.”

Ann LeBlanc

CoFounder and President of Mercy Chefs

Advocating for nutritious meals and supporting families in need aren’t new to Ann LeBlanc, who felt a call to dedicate her life to service after her very first deployment with Mercy Chefs to Conklin, N.Y., in 2006. Now, 150 disasters and 17 years later, Ann continues to serve as the heartbeat and grounding force of the Mercy Chefs team, always there to lend a helping hand and a hot meal to those in need.

Prior to joining Mercy Chefs full time two years ago, Ann gained 25 years combined experience at The Christian Broadcasting Network and Regent University in executive-level leadership in fundraising, event planning and marketing. Over the years, she has honed those skills to help Mercy Chefs skyrocket to new heights.

Ann embodies the essence of advocacy in everything she does. In her role at Mercy Chefs, Ann’s passion and commitment can be seen and felt by the people she serves. Whether she’s serving meals to single moms, elderly shut-ins, immigrant families, or the newly unemployed, Ann always goes above and beyond – prioritizing the soul and story behind people and meeting individuals where they are.

Latest Releases

Mercy Chefs Responds to Deadly Tornado in Tennessee

Cooldown Pushes Behind Northeast Storms

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Mercy Chefs Responds to Deadly Tornado in Tennessee
Mercy Chefs Grocery Boxes Benefit 2021 Tornado Survivors in Kentucky

Grocery box giveaway benefits survivors of 2021 tornadoes. FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – A grocery box giveaway event to benefit families who survived the December 2021 tornado outbreak in western Kentucky will be taking place Saturday in Dawson Springs.

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Mercy Chefs Grocery Boxes Benefit 2021 Tornado Survivors in Kentucky
Mercy Chefs Opens a Community Kitchen in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia-based nonprofit Mercy Chefs has brought a community kitchen to Richmond, with the goal of providing nutritionally rich meals to food-insecure individuals.

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Mercy Chefs Opens a Community Kitchen in Richmond
Mercy Chefs Brings Meals to the Conflict Zone in Israel

Mercy Chefs brings meals to the conflict zone in Israel. ABC News’ Stephanie Ramos spoke to Mercy Chefs VP Carl Ladd as the organization works to provide more than 1,000 chef-prepared meals a day to those devastated by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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Mercy Chefs Brings Meals to the Conflict Zone in Israel
Mercy Chefs on the Ground in Israel

Virginia’s Mercy Chefs on the ground in Israel. Help is coming into Israel from all around the world. Virginia-based Mercy Chefs are on the ground– helping the victims with food and supplies.

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Mercy Chefs on the Ground in Israel
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