I want to share with you more details regarding how Mercy Chefs is responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

As I'm sure you can imagine, providing meals during a crisis like this is a significant challenge. I noted to you a few days ago that we are preparing our meals in microwaveable containers so those receiving the meals can conveniently heat them up when they are ready to eat. This has created an additional cost. But that's just one aspect of what we're doing to protect our staff, our volunteers and those receiving our meals.

As an additional safety measure, all of our volunteers are temperature screened upon arrival and they complete a health questionaire. Next, we
give them a Mercy Chefs t-shirt to cover their
clothing and have them wash their hands. They are then provided a disposable apron and mask. Gloves are always a part of our food service, but now we have our team members changing to fresh gloves every 15 minutes while they are preparing meals for delivery.

These additional measures help provide the highest-level of safety for the recipients of our meals and, just as importantly, for our staff and volunteers. We are protecting our team because we want to "go the distance" with this crisis, no matter how long it takes, and we can only do that with a healthy staff! Plus, more storms are in the forecast and we want to do everything we can to ensure that Mercy Chefs can respond to a tornado or another disaster should the need arise.

I share all this because this is a unique time in Mercy Chefs history. I have never encountered a situation like this. We served on average about 2,000 meals every day this week, and the demand shows no signs of letting up. In fact, if we had the resources, we could quickly double or triple the number of meals we are preparing in response to this crisis.

So here's how I'm asking for your help this weekend...

I want to expand our meal service, but to do so I would need a significant increase in our support -- first to cover our current meal demand and then to meet the additional need. Can I count on your help?  Go here to make your tax-deductible gift to help Mercy Chefs serve thousands of meals to those in need due to the coronavirus crisis while we continue other vital efforts:

I believe Mercy Chefs was created "for such a time as this." People are gripped with fear right now, and they're confined to their homes for, in many areas, at least the next month. A beautiful, nutritious, chef-prepared meal delivered directly to homes can make a world of difference and lets folks know that SOMEONE CARES!

Because of you, we can send that message of hope thousands of times in the coming days and weeks. Please continue to pray for our nation, and thank you in advance for your partnership with Mercy Chefs.

God bless,

Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs

P.S. We've averaged about 2,000 meals daily this week, but my team is bracing for that number to increase dramatically next week. I need help from friends like you. Please go here to make your tax-deductible gift: