UNITED IN HOPE
This spring, Mercy Chefs responded to a historic seven consecutive deployments. From the tornado-stricken Midwestern states to the flood-ravaged regions of Brazil, we reached out to displaced families and shattered communities. Amidst such loss, Mercy Chefs delivered hope in the form of a meal. This summer, we are expanding our efforts to serve more children and families across the country than ever before. With this year’s hurricane season off to a historic and record-breaking start, we are prepared to meet the need wherever it comes.
SPRING TORNADOES AND RARE DERECHOS
When we first answered the call to just go feed people, we could have never imagined that Mercy Chefs would serve millions of meals to those facing disaster and emergency. This spring season was no exception. Throughout May, multiple rounds of tornadoes and hurricane-like winds swept across the Midwestern and Southern states. During these vulnerable times, we stood by communities devastated by natural disasters, witnessing firsthand how hope brings us together.
Thanks to your faithful support, we swiftly set up mobile kitchens, partnered with local churches, and served hot, chef-prepared meals within 24–48 hours of each disaster. Our first spring deployment took us to Sulphur, OK, where an EF-3 tornado tore through this mid-size town of 5,000 people in late April. The sight of homes reduced to rubble was heart-wrenching, but amidst the devastation, we saw hope among volunteers and emergency responders as they came together to support one another. From there, our efforts extended to Barnsdall, OK, and Columbia, TN, where an EF-4 tornado struck on May 7. Many families were sorting through the remnants of their lives, yet their resilience in the face of disaster demonstrated the unyielding hope that binds us all.
When a massive derecho hit Houston, TX, on May 16, the situation grew dire. Over a million people were left without power, and in the oppressive heat, a state of emergency was declared. Our team quickly established food operations at Hope City Church to serve a community in desperate need; people waited in three-mile-long car lines for the chance to bring home a hot meal. We also provided hope to school districts, apartment complexes, senior care facilities, and many other communities that had gone days without assistance.
The tornado season reached a record-breaking high in Oklahoma, with 90 tornadoes touching down across the state. On Memorial Day, we set out once again to Oklahoma, mobilizing a team within 24 hours to provide meals in Claremore after an EF-3 tornado ravaged the hometown of our Director of Disaster Relief & Long-Term Recovery, Chef Lisa. Having faithfully served with us back-to-back for several weeks, Chef Lisa was responding to the derecho in Houston when she received the news that her hometown was devastated. Our team immediately dispatched an additional mobile kitchen to Claremore, where Chef Lisa once again poured her heart into preparing meals—this time for her neighbors.
As this historic tornado season continued, a rare windstorm swept through Dallas. Mercy Chefs responded faithfully, providing much-needed relief for those in need.
Throughout this severe storm season, we served nearly 170,000 meals with the help of over 1,000 volunteers. Each meal was an opportunity to bring hope and a moment of normalcy to those experiencing the worst day of their lives. The resilience and unity of every impacted community were inspiring, reminding us that “something amazing happens over a shared meal.”
RECORD-BREAKING FLOODING IN BRAZIL
While Mercy Chefs responded to domestic disasters, our Global team deployed to Porto Alegre, Brazil, where we witnessed the heartbreaking effects of severe flooding that became the largest natural disaster in the country’s history. Record-breaking rains inundated over 90% of municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, forcing half a million people to evacuate their homes and seek shelter. Our Global team partnered with Brasa Church to create a feeding program that supported a shelter housing 200 people and the surrounding communities. Our team was instrumental in equipping a fully functioning kitchen and training church staff and volunteers to prepare hot, nutritious meals.
In the midst of this catastrophe, we met a remarkable couple whose survival was nothing short of a miracle. They were the last members of their community to remain home, never expecting the waters to rise so high. Unable to find dry land, they hung on until a rescue boat arrived. Their story of endurance and hope amidst the floodwaters moved us.
Through our dedicated local partners and with Mercy Chefs’ support, the feeding program continued to serve those affected by the floods. The kitchen, which operated tirelessly with over 100 volunteers daily, became a beacon of hope for affected communities. Even after working nonstop and feeling weary, our volunteers went the extra mile to assist residents with cleaning up their homes. The joy and relief we saw on the faces of those we served were a testament to the hope that transcends hardship, made possible through the support of friends like you.
As Mercy Chefs Global continues to respond by feeding body and soul, we carry with us the profound impact of your generosity. Our work in disaster relief reminds us that the brightest light shines in the darkest places.
HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane Beryl made history as the earliest and largest hurricane on record, wreaking havoc as a Category 4 storm across the Caribbean and later making landfall as a Category 1 storm in Texas. We sent out two teams in response. Mercy Chefs Global traveled to Carriacou, Grenada, where the island’s infrastructure and agriculture were wiped out, making food and water scarce. With our local church partners, we provided over 4,000 hot meals and vital groceries to affected families.
In Texas, our domestic disaster response team partnered with Hope City Church to serve Houston and surrounding areas, where over 2 million customers were left without power and faced critical health risks due to extreme heat. We served nearly 100,000 meals to senior centers, public schools, low-income communities, and over 25 shelters housing infants, children, families, elders, and disabled individuals. While it was heartbreaking to return to Houston two months after another disaster, we were honored to serve meals to the most vulnerable. As we prepare for this hurricane season, Mercy Chefs is committed to providing hope and comfort to those in need.
SUMMER FEEDING
Over 13 million American children face food insecurity, with one in five kids going to bed hungry.
The summer months, when school feeding programs are paused, intensify this crisis, leaving many children without access to what may be their only meal of the day. This summer, Mercy Chefs is raising food insecurity awareness and providing hope to hungry children nationwide.
Through our Summer Huddle initiative, we teamed up with professional athletes at their youth sports camps to distribute nearly 7,000 backpacks—each filled with the equivalent of 10 meals—to children in underserved communities. Since our first event on May 18 in St. Petersburg, FL, where we distributed 200 backpacks full of nutritious food, we have reached families in Detroit, Cleveland, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Dallas. In total, we are serving 37 cities through the end of August. Each backpack is more than a meal—it’s a symbol of hope and a reminder to children that someone cares for them.
At our Summer Huddle events, we see the magic of hope in action. As children eagerly opened their backpacks, they were greeted by the warmth and encouragement of pro athletes who shared their own stories of overcoming challenges. These interactions not only filled their stomachs but also lifted their spirits, showing them that hope is alive in their communities. Imagine two young boys lighting up as they receive a backpack and hear about God’s love from a pro football player. Picture the smiles of a group of girls enjoying a hot lunch and playing sports with a basketball Hall of Famer. Moments like these are unforgettable for children facing hardship.
In addition to our Summer Huddle initiative, our community kitchens will serve over 110,000 hot meals to children at camps across the country.
One shining example is “Barefoot at the Farm,” an annual event hosted at Amy Grant’s 450+ acre farm in Tennessee. This year, our Nashville Community Kitchen provided daily meals for 250 children and 100 volunteers, supporting Barefoot Republic’s mission to foster friendships, nurture the love of God, and offer children opportunities to connect with nature. We are honored to be a part of a program that builds meaningful relationships and lasting memories.
As we continue our summer outreaches, we are excited about the impact we are making in collaboration with Amy Grant, professional athletes, and other programs across the United States. With the support of friends like you, we are on track to provide approximately 180,000 meals to children in need. Each meal represents hope and a promise of a brighter future.
MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
Chef Gary LeBlanc (Founder & CEO)
As I reflect on the past few months, I am deeply moved by the power of hope in the face of adversity. This spring, we faced one of Mercy Chefs’ most challenging seasons, marked by a relentless series of natural disasters and emergencies that tested our team’s energy and resources. From the aftermath of destructive storms to witnessing food insecurity among children, our team has worked around the clock to bring relief and support to families and communities grappling with devastation.
Yet, in these moments of despair, we have found profound hope through the simple act of sharing a meal. I am always in awe of our team’s unwavering commitment to prepare each meal with love and joy. We have been blessed to meet extraordinary individuals whose resilience and dedication remind us of the hope that drives our mission. Story after story, we hear of lives changed through each meal served.
As we navigate this year’s hurricane season, I find guidance and strength in Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Every meal served, every grocery box distributed, and every smile received is a light shined and hope restored amid darkness.
None of what we do would be possible without your steadfast support. Your generosity enables us to spread hope and be a source of comfort for those in need.
Thank you for standing with us and for being a vital part of Mercy Chefs. As the summer transitions to fall and we look towards hurricane season, I am confident that, united in hope, we will continue to make a difference, one meal and one story at a time.
Let’s go feed people.
Do you want to volunteer?
If you’ve ever wanted to join us on a deployment as a volunteer, but weren’t sure how to get involved, click the link below to learn more about how to sign up, what to expect, and to learn about opportunities!
FEEDING BODY AND SOUL