PRESS & MEDIA

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

In the News

We Won a Land Rover

Mercy Chefs is one of five charities that were presented with a custom Land Rover Defender 130 sports utility SUV.

Brief but Spectacular

As founder of Mercy Chefs, Gary LeBlanc and his team have served more than 18 million meals to people affected by…

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…

Coronavirus lays bare America's looming food crisis: Mercy Chefs Founder

By any objective measure, the United States was not prepared to confront the full fury of the coronavirus pandemic…

Hurricane Delta's wrath in Louisiana brings Mercy Chefs back to Lake Charles, dishing out meals

For a second time this year, help has arrived in Louisiana to offer a slice of comfort to families reeling after yet another devastating hurricane…

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 16 years now, Gary has led Mercy Chefs into more than 30 states across the country and 13 countries around the world, serving nearly 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

Co-founder 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 16 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

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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Beacon of Hope Kitchen in Paducah
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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Mercy Chefs serving meals in Mayfield, KY Following tornadoes
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