Press & Media
At Mercy Chefs, our mission is “just go feed people,” whether in the wake of disasters or beyond. Stay updated on our latest efforts across the U.S. and around the globe. For any media inquiries, please contact us at mercychefs@hodgespart.com.
Featured Coverage
Mercy Chefs Serves Over 2.6 Million Meals in 2024
After a year of devastating disasters, Chef Gary LeBlanc reflects on Mercy Chefs’ relief efforts, including Hurricanes Milton and Helene, with FOX Weather.
Chef Gary Reflects on Hurricane Helene's Impact
Chef Gary LeBlanc describes the devastation in Helene-ravaged North Carolina and highlights Mercy Chefs’ efforts to aid hurricane victims with FOX News.
Mercy Chefs Provides Meals to Helene Survivors
After Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, Chef Gary LeBlanc discusses Mercy Chefs’ meal service to hospital workers, patients, and the community with GMA.
Mercy Chefs Receives the Spirit of Virginia Award
Portsmouth-based Mercy Chefs was recognized with the Spirit of Virginia Award by Governor Glenn Youngkin on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Chef Gary on What Comfort Food Means in Disaster Relief
Chef Gary LeBlanc explains why he brings family-favorite recipes to the front lines of disasters and emergencies on Taste of the South.
Mercy Chefs Brings Meals to Conflict Zone in Israel
ABC News’ Stephanie Ramos interviews VP of Mercy Chefs Global Carl Ladd on serving over 1,000 meals daily to those affected by the war.
Mercy Chefs Founded in 2006 by Gary LeBlanc
Latest Updates
February 5, 2022
Beacon of Hope Kitchen in Paducah
Mercy Chefs Commits to Long-Term Relief for Victims of Western Kentucky Tornadoes Ribbon Cutting for Beacon of Hope Kitchen on Feb. 8 in Paducah When tornadoes ravaged wide areas of Western Kentucky in December, Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that serveschef-prepared meals in national emergencies and natural disasters, quickly deployed and began serving meals to victims, first responders and volunteers in Mayfield within 24 hours. Today, the…
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December 11, 2021
Mercy Chefs serving meals in Mayfield, KY Following tornadoes
Mercy Chefs Deploying to Mayfield, Kentucky Following Tornadoes Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that serveschef-prepared meals in national emergencies and natural disasters, is deploying to Mayfield, Kentucky following the deadly tornadoes that hit six states Friday night and Saturday morning. Mercy Chefs begins serving meals to victims, volunteers and first responders tonight from His House Ministries located at 1250 KY-303, Mayfield, KY 42066. Mercy Chefs will continue meal service in the days that follow. “Our team is heartbroken over this…
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Founders Bios
Chef Gary LeBlanc
Founder & CEO of Mercy Chefs
After 35 years in the hotel restaurant business, Chef 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 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 18 years now, Gary has led Mercy Chefs into more than 33 states across the country and 31 countries around the world, serving over 27 million meals. As Mercy Chefs’ reach expands, Gary consistently remains committed to his original mission to “just go feed people.”
Ann LeBlanc
CoFounder & President of Mercy Chefs
Advocating for nutritious meals and supporting families in need isn’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, NY, in 2006. Now, over 200 disasters and 18 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 of 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.
