Sisterhood Spotlight

What inspired you and your husband to find Mercy Chefs?

When my husband, Gary, and I witnessed the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2006, we knew we had to act. We wanted to provide more than just emergency relief; we wanted to offer hope, dignity, and nourishment through restaurant-quality meals. Mercy Chefs was born from our desire to serve people in need with the same level of care and quality that we would give to our own families.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in establishing Mercy Chefs, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was building a sustainable and effective model for responding to disasters. It required not only logistical planning but also finding dedicated chefs, volunteers, and partners who shared our commitment to “just go feed people.” By staying focused on our mission and fostering those relationships, we built a network that not only enabled us to mobilize quickly and efficiently in times of crisis but also extended our mission globally.

How do you ensure Mercy Chefs consistently delivers high-quality, chef-prepared meals during times of crisis?

Quality and care are at the heart of everything that we do. We work with skilled, professional chefs who understand the importance of preparing meals that are not only nutritious but also comforting. Our team uses fresh ingredients whenever possible and also coordinates with local partners to ensure we meet the unique needs of each community we serve, whether it’s adapting meals for dietary restrictions or ensuring the highest standards of food safety are met.

What is one story or moment that has had the greatest impact on your commitment to Mercy Chefs' mission?

It was back in 2020 when Hurricane Laura made landfall in Lake Charles, LA, leaving some of the worst damage we had ever seen. Among the first meals we served were to residents of a special needs, low-income housing complex that had been completely abandoned. As we distributed meals, one elderly woman approached me with her walker. She wept as she expressed gratitude, saying she did not know how they managed without any support until we arrived. Despite the COVID restrictions at that time, she asked for a hug. I embraced and prayed for her. Today, we actively seek out similar communities and individuals to ensure they are not overlooked in times of crisis. This is why Mercy Chefs exists: to bring hope in the form of a meal to those who are hurting and feel forgotten. It is a profound honor to serve in this way.

What resources would you offer to individuals and families currently facing food insecurity in their communities?

Here at home, countless individuals and families struggle daily to put food on the table, with many children uncertain of where their next meal will come from. At Mercy Chefs, we believe that something amazing happens over a shared meal, and no one should be deprived of that experience. Our Family Grocery Box program provides families in underserved communities with pantry staples, fresh produce, and proteins to prepare nourishing meals at home. In addition, our Community Kitchens—such as those in Portsmouth and Richmond, VA—bring together the talents of our regional chefs, local partners, and dedicated volunteers to feed, educate, train, and empower children and adults who are facing food insecurity. To witness the impact these programs have made on families, children, and the elderly has been a true joy.

About Ann LeBlanc

Ann LeBlanc has dedicated her life to serving others, a calling she embraced in 2006 during her first deployment with Mercy Chefs to Conklin, NY. Now, 18 years and over 200 disasters later, Ann remains the heart of the Mercy Chefs team, offering a hot meal and hope to those in need.

Before joining Mercy Chefs, Ann spent 25 years in executive leadership at The Christian Broadcasting Network and Regent University, specializing in fundraising, event planning, and marketing. She has since used these skills to help Mercy Chefs expand its impact and reach new heights.

Ann’s unwavering passion for advocacy and commitment to the people she serves—whether single moms, elderly shut-ins, immigrant families, or the newly unemployed—shines through everything she does. Beyond meals, she prioritizes the souls and stories of those she serves and meets them with compassion and care.