Mercy Chefs

Mercy Chefs is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Spirit of Virginia Award, which celebrates the persons and organizations making uncommon contributions to strengthening the Spirit of Virginia. Yesterday, we were honored to host community members and state officials, including Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and his wife, Suzanne, who presented our Co-Founders, Chef Gary and Ann LeBlanc, with the award at our Portsmouth headquarters and Community Kitchen. “What a moment to remind us that this is not simply about service, it’s not simply about compassion, it’s not simply about relief, but it is about feeding not just the body but also the soul,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin about our mission to feed those in need in Virginia and around the world. “That is what the spirit of Virginia is all about.” Thank you to the Governor and the First Lady for this prestigious honor and for spending a special day getting to know our staff and experiencing the work we do. We are forever grateful to call Virginia our home. “From Portsmouth to the world!” #PortsmouthVA #SpiritofVirginia #ThankYou

Our friends at Wood Fruitticher Food Service have gone above and beyond to help us feed hurricane victims in North Carolina and Florida. They drove through the night to get product onsite for us in Asheville, NC, so that we could start feeding Hurricane Helene victims right away. When our team deployed to Florida in response to Hurricane Milton, they were right there with us. We’re so thankful for their faithful partnership as we continue to feed body and soul across the U.S. #corporatepartners #thankyou

On October 9, Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast, just two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck, bringing catastrophic winds and significant flooding in some areas. Millions were left without power. Mercy Chefs has been on the ground serving hot chef-prepared meals in Bradenton, FL, and surrounding communities as Florida residents begin cleaning up once again after another storm and wait for the power to come back on. To learn more about our Hurricane Milton response and how you can give the gift of a meal to survivors in Florida, visit https://lnkd.in/edrRVEKb. #HurricaneMilton #DisasterRelief

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Good Morning America and Gio Benitez for spending the morning with Mercy Chefs and highlighting the urgent need in Western North Carolina. We’re deeply grateful for your support as we serve the victims of Hurricane Helene, delivering hot meals to those in the hardest-to-reach areas who need it most! To support our relief efforts, go to: https://lnkd.in/ehzru3dB

The remnants of Hurricane Helene pummeled western North Carolina bringing historic flooding to unprepared mountain towns. People are trapped in their homes without power, cell service, food, and water as they wait for floodwaters to subside and for help to arrive. Mercy Chefs has deployed to Western North Carolina to feed hot, chef-prepared meals to a community that is experiencing the most significant disaster to have ever hit their city. These people need help now more than ever. Mercy Chefs is continuing feeding operations along the Florida Gulf Coast as a second team heads for Asheville. Your support is crucial as we go forward and feed body and soul. Visit https://lnkd.in/e8RW5aCx for more information on how you can support our Helene relief efforts. #HurricaneHelene #AshevilleNC #NorthCarolina

?? Meet our 2024 Restaurants Advance Leadership Award Winners?? These inspiring leaders have been recognized for making a difference in their communities, building equity and advancement across the restaurant and hospitality industry, and investing in the next generation of workers. Congratulations to all! ?? Honorees include: ??Jerome Dees Jr., of Dees Partners: My Journey Award ??Gary LeBlanc, of Mercy Chefs: Community Champion Award, presented by American Express ??Warren Thompson, of Thompson Hospitality: Inclusion Innovator Award, presented by PepsiCo ?? Dr. Tim Ryan, of the The Culinary Institute of America: Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award, presented by Ecolab Learn more about their impactful journeys and contributions to our industry here: https://bit.ly/3zFMAEa #restaurantleadershipawards #nraef #chooserestaurants

Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Big Bend and the Southeast on the night of September 26 as a powerful Category 4 storm with 140 MPH winds. The storm left millions without power, claimed over 40 lives, and prompted rescue teams to race to save those trapped by record-breaking floodwaters. Mercy Chefs is on the ground, providing hot, chef-prepared meals to the hardest-hit communities. Before the storm, we served first responders and troops stationed in Bay County, FL, and have now set up our base of relief operations in Newberry, FL. To learn how you can support our efforts to feed Hurricane Helene victims, visit: https://lnkd.in/eRgGxGB8 #HurricaneHelene

Mercy Chefs responded to devastating flooding in Rock Valley, IA, at the end of June. Our generous partner, Smithfield Foods, donated high-quality protein to Mercy Chefs, which was turned into beautiful meals for the community beginning the long road to recovery in the wake of disaster. The work that we do would not be possible without the help of wonderful partners! Thank you, Smithfield Foods, for helping us feed body and soul around the U.S.?#MercyChefs #DisasterRelief

The Summer 2024 digital version of the SURGE newsletter—UNITED IN HOPE—is out now! In this issue, we look back on our busiest tornado season to date, our response to historic flooding in Brazil, and our summer feeding programs around the U.S. Visit?mercychefs.com/summer-2024?to read all of these incredible stories and more.

#HurricaneDebby brought significant winds and #flooding to towns near the Big Bend region of #Florida. Last year, our team responded to Hurricane Idalia in the city of Live Oak, FL. Our team has returned to Live Oak to bring aid, witnessing the devastating outcome of yet another disaster. Homes and businesses are flooded, cars are underwater, and the need for fresh water, hot meals, and a helping hand is great. We are serving hot lunch and dinner every day to the people of Live Oak and the surrounding areas. To learn how you can support us in feeding Hurricane Debby victims, visit https://lnkd.in/eu98NrME.