Chef Gary and Ann LeBlanc started Mercy Chefs after Hurricane Katrina in 2006. Since then, the group has served more than 25 million meals in disaster zones across the country and the globe.
We first learned about Mercy Chefs last year when longtime Dallas chef Sharon Van Meter (who is a Mercy Chef) held a dinner to raise money to help LA fire victims. At the time, Van Meter explained that while Mercy Chefs is faith-based, religion is not the focus; rather, it is to provide three hot meals a day to communities in need. They are often set up in churches, which usually have large kitchens. The nonprofit's motto is "Just go feed people."
“In moments like these, a hot meal is more than food—it’s a reminder that [we] are not alone," Mercy Chefs told the Texas Restaurant Association.
Per Instagram, Mercy Chefs has been on the ground in Kerrville, serving first responders since Saturday.
The PR person at Mercy Chefs reports that they were able to serve 500 dinners last night to search and rescue and law enforcement. They have a "full team and equipment package" on site and added, "This is unimaginable."
"Your support is crucial as we move forward in feeding body and soul in the Texas Hill Country," per an Instagram post. To make a donation, visit this page.
Mercy Chefs are set up at 3139 Junction Highway in Ingram, Texas. Meal pick-up times are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.
Additionally, the Texas Restaurant Association has shared a Resources You Can Use page for the hospitality industry that includes a Need Help resource.
