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 globe.
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.
What Comfort Food Means to Me
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.
Mercy Chefs Founded in 2006 by Gary LeBlanc
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.
Latest Updates
June 16, 2023
Mercy Chefs Responding in Texas Following Deadly Tornado
Nonprofit plans to begin meal service in Perryton tomorrow Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that serves chef-prepared meals in national emergencies and natural disasters, is deploying to Perryton, Texas following a devastating tornado that left a path of destruction – displacing families and leaving 4,500…
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April 1, 2023
Mercy Chefs Responding in Arkansas Following Tornadoes
Nonprofit plans to begin meal service in Little Rock tomorrow Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that serves chef-prepared meals in national emergencies and natural disasters, is deploying to Arkansas following the deadly tornadoes that left catastrophic damage. Mercy Chefs plans to serve meals and water…
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March 27, 2023
Mercy Chefs Responding in Rolling Fork, Mississippi
Nonprofit plans to serve thousands of meals each day Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that serves chef-prepared meals in national emergencies and natural disasters, is deploying to Mississippi following the destructive tornado that hit Rolling Fork on Friday night. Mercy Chefs will serve meals and…
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February 7, 2023
Mercy Chefs Responding to Turkey-Syria Earthquake
Disaster relief organization already has started supporting relief efforts on the ground Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that serves chef-prepared meals in national emergencies and natural disasters, is responding to the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquake. Carl Ladd, vice president of Mercy Chefs Global, and other Mercy…
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January 12, 2023
Mercy Chefs Deploying to Eastern Kentucky to Serve Meals
Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that serves chef-prepared meals in national emergencies and natural disasters, is returning to Eastern Kentucky to address an urgent need for food in communities that are recovering from a freeze while still feeling the impact of devastating flooding that impacted…
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