As the nationwide shutdown of businesses and school increases, we are facing some challenges.

First, because of the special microwaveable containers (pictured here) we are using as we tailor our response to the special safety needs of this crisis, the cost of each meal is now about $3.50. That means we need to raise an additional $1,000 or more every day just to serve the same number of meals.

My more serious challenge is the scope of the need. Right now, if we had the resources to bring on another shift of workers, add some much-needed kitchen equipment and deploy one of our mobile kitchens, we could prepare as many as 7,500 meals a day -- about tripling our capacity.

Our team has done a tremendous job adapting to the conditions surrounding meal preparation and delivery during this crisis. Last week, Mercy Chefs teams prepared over 12,000 meals, and the demand continues. Yesterday, we prepared 2,500 meals and are on schedule to produce at least 2,000 meals every day this week

But I want to do more!

With so many Americans now in the midst of what appears to be a very prolonged health crisis that will put the most pressure on the most vulnerable in our society -- food insecure children and the elderly -- will you partner with Mercy Chefs so we can meet the current need and expand to reach more people?  Go here to make your tax-deductible gift to help Mercy Chefs serve thousands of meals this week while we continue other vital efforts:

+ + Reaching "the least of these"

These meals are reaching "the least of these" during this time of emergency isolation. With the help of local partners, Mercy Chefs meals are being delivered to children, families, and senior citizens facing extreme cases of food insecurity.

Many seniors are staying away from grocery stores to keep their distance from crowds, so when a chef-prepared meal arrives at their home, it is a great blessing that says someone cares about their very life.

+ + Our only limit is funding!

Everything we do here at Mercy Chefs is scalable. The only limit to the number of people we can reach during this crisis is funding!

And my phone hasn't stopped ringing, especially as the reality sets in that this health crisis will likely go on for weeks. Please help me answer the call and reach more people!

These are extraordinary times unlike anything I've ever seen. Yet in the midst of this trial, we have the opportunity to serve tens if not hundreds of thousands of meals that help bring hope and relief to those who are most hurting. 

Thank you for your prayers for our nation, and for the most vulnerable among us. And thank you for your financial support as we reach out with love through chef-prepared meals that let hurting people know that someone cares.

God bless,

Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs

P.S. Again, I could DOUBLE or even TRIPLE the number of coronavirus crisis response meals we serve -- if we had the funding. Will you help? Please go here to make your tax-deductible gift: