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 Releases
July 14, 2022
Latest Updates on Ukraine Deployment
Mercy Chefs’ Response in Ukraine Continues; Over 2.5 Million Pounds of Food Delivered Since March Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that serves chef-prepared meals in national emergencies and natural disasters, has delivered over 2.5 million pounds of food and water since its work on the border of Ukraine began in March to reach refugees following the…
Read MoreMay 10, 2022
Mercy Chefs Deploys to New Mexico to Aid Wildfire Victims, First Responders
Mercy Chefs Deploys to New Mexico to Aid Wildfire Victims, First Responders Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that serveschef-prepared meals in national emergencies and natural disasters, has deployed to Taos, New Mexico to provide meal service to evacuees seeking shelter and first responders as deadly wildfires continue to expand throughout the state. Over the weekend, the nonprofit organization served lunch and dinner in Angel Fire and Taos. It…
Read MoreMarch 1, 2022
Deploying to Romania-Ukraine Border
Mercy Chefs Deploys to Romania-Ukraine Border to Aid Ukrainian Refugees Virginia-based disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization Mercy Chefs has deployed to Romania, where it will serve Ukrainians fleeing their homes after Russia’s invasion. The organization and its international partners expect to be set up at the Romanian border by tonight to provide aid…
Read MoreFebruary 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…
Read MoreDecember 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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