Our Story
Every great organization begins with a turning point moment that calls us to action. Learn more about where our story began and why we continue to “just go feed people.”
About Mercy Chefs
Mission Statement
Mercy Chefs is a faith-based, non-profit disaster and humanitarian relief organization. We exist to provide professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers and first responders in natural disasters and emergencies, and we partner with existing like-minded organizations to further their mission by providing food service in underserved communities across the country and around the globe.
The Mercy Chefs Way
Something Amazing Happens Over a Shared Meal
The first goal in relief work should be to do no harm; the second should be to meet the need.
Connection
When people share a meal together, a personal connection is formed on the most basic level, and it serves as a reminder of our shared humanity.
Nutrition
So many of our guests are in shock from traumatic events or suffering from low nutrition due to poverty. We provide them with a nutritious home-cooked meal to help fuel their bodies.
Restoration of Normalcy
For just a moment, our guests can forget about the disruptive events in their lives and be reminded of the small routines that create a sense of normalcy.
Rest
Our guests are given the opportunity to enjoy a meal specially prepared for them and served with love.
Comfort
The compassion shown by our team of professional chefs and volunteers reminds our guests that someone cares for them and brings comfort to their hurting hearts.
Chef Gary & Ann LeBlanc
Meet the Founders
Chef Gary and Ann LeBlanc founded Mercy Chefs in 2006 after the devastation and massive impact that Hurricane Katrina left on Gary’s hometown of New Orleans. Gary, being a Louisiana native, felt compelled for the first time in his life to volunteer.
At the time, he was broken by what he witnessed in his hometown of New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The devastation was so intense and widespread. Lives were completely disrupted, and the community was in ruins. After Katrina, he saw first-hand the incredible difference a hot meal could make, but after 35 years in the hospitality industry, Gary was surprised and outraged by the quality of food being served.
Gary knew something more needed to be done, and the idea of serving high-quality, chef-prepared meals in a disaster zone occupied his mind for months afterward. Soon after, Mercy Chefs was born.
Gary and his wife Ann have been serving side by side for nearly 19 years since the Lord called them to “feed people; just go feed people.” From disaster zones across the country and around the globe to serving people right in their own backyard, Mercy Chefs has already served over 27 million meals, with many more to come.
Our Team
Without the people to serve, our efforts are useless. Mercy Chefs is more than an organization, it’s a family.
