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
October 14, 2024
Hampton Roads Rallies for Hurricane Helene Relief Drive
NORFOLK, Va. – Mercy Chefs deployed to Asheville, N.C., to provide critical relief for Hurricane Helene victims. From October 8 to 10, we partnered with WAVY-TV 10 and Smiley’s Heating and Cooling to lead a three-day relief drive in Hampton Roads, collecting funds and supplies for families affected by Helene….
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October 7, 2024
Mercy Chefs Provides Food to Survivors of Hurricane Helene
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – As people work to pick up the pieces following devastating flooding and mudslides, Mercy Chefs is working to provide comfort in the form of a hot meal. In Asheville, Mercy Chefs is stationed at Mission Hospital, which serves as a distribution hub. The team is feeding hospital…
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October 6, 2024
‘Whatever you think it is, it’s worse,’ Chef Gary talks with Fox News Live in North Carolina
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Chef Gary LeBlanc spoke with Fox News Live about our response in Western North Carolina days after Hurricane Helene tore through the mountainous area. “I’ve been doing this for many years,” Chef Gary told Fox News. “It rivals Katrina in many ways, it rivals Hurricane Maria in…
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October 5, 2024
Mercy Chefs Hosts Good Morning America in Asheville
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Mercy Chefs hosted Good Morning America anchor, Gio Benitez, at the Mission Hospital Imaging Center site in Asheville. Gio interviewed Mercy Chefs Founder and CEO, Gary LeBlanc, and two volunteers, Red and Ashley Harrell, from Eastern North Carolina. Gio even helped prepare lunch! https://youtu.be/ktR_btfFRyY?si=nkGplt6KqymqFhD6 Mercy Chefs has…
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September 28, 2024
Palm Beach Post Reporter Rides Along with Co-Founder Ann LeBlanc
CEDAR KEY, Fla. – Two days after Hurricane Helene battered cities along the coastline in Florida, Mercy Chefs delivered hot meals to hard-hit Cedar Key. The meals were prepared in Newberry then driven to First Baptist Church of Cedar Key. A few were hand-delivered to residents by Mercy Chefs Co-Founder,…
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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.
