Mercy Chefs is back in Nashville today, serving both lunch and dinner in one of the most underserved areas of this entire region that was hit by the massive tornadoes earlier this month.

We received the request from our local contacts on Tuesday, so we quickly mobilized a team so that meal service could start at lunch today.
This is precisely why we kept one of our mobile kitchens in Nashville -- so that we could respond on short notice when called upon.

Our Mercy Chefs team will be here through the weekend, serving meals and meeting practical needs during a very challenging time. Since we depend on the generosity of friends like you every time we deploy, we could use your help today and through the weekend. Would you consider making a special tax-deductible contribution to help Mercy Chefs provide hot meals while we continue other efforts? Go here:

+ + Responding to our national crisis

While we serve meals in Nashville and get ready for a major effort next week to reach children and families in Panama City who are still recovering from Hurricane Michael, I want you to know that we are also fully aware of the growing national crisis regarding the Coronavirus. This virus and our national response will impact us all, including Mercy Chefs. For example, in the interest of an abundance of safety, we are modifying some of our protocols and food delivery methods. I'll be sharing a more detailed statement on how we are responding soon.

At the same time, we are also preparing for the very real possibility that the situation could result in a significant increase in the demand for our services. For example, my phone has been ringing from our partners who are asking if we can be ready to mobilize because they are anticipating a dramatic increase in the need for meals.

So while we are concerned (as I'm sure you are) about the virus, we are bracing for the possibility that we will need to increase our meal service in a very significant way over the next several weeks. Plus, we have much "on our plate" right now with the continued disaster response in Nashville and increased efforts next week in Panama City.

That's why your partnership is so vital. Thank you so much for your prayers and your faithful support of Mercy Chefs. Because of friends like you, we are meeting needs today in Nashville and will be ready to respond to the needs as this national crisis unfolds.

God bless!

Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs