As I shared earlier this week, Mercy Chefs is in the midst of ramping up our participation in the U.S.D.A. Farmers to Families program. Through Farmers to Families, we distributed over 370,000 meals last week and will likely exceed that total this week. I fully expect we'll be helping to provide a HALF-MILLION meals weekly and that total could double or double again because the Lord is opening doors to expand our efforts across the East Coast.

My heart breaks for the millions of families who have been impacted by this economic crisis which shows no signs of letting up. Day after day, our team is reaching out to the families who are on the front-lines of this struggle.

+ + His grandma wept...

For example, last week, a young man rode his bike to one of our distribution locations in Oklahoma. It's cold in Oklahoma right now, but that was his only form of transportation.

He was hoping to find some food for his family. One of our volunteers grabbed some grocery boxes, put the young man's bike in the back of his truck, and drove to his house where he met Grandma, Grandpa, an Aunt and a brother -- each facing some form of disability. They had no transportation. Grandma wept when we handed her fresh food. We assured the family that we will have meals ready for them. Now the young man wants to volunteer his time to help Mercy Chefs.

This family's story is precisely why we're working so hard to distribute hundreds of thousands of food boxes each week. Our friends and neighbors need our help right now!

But to meet the current need and expand to reach even more who are struggling right now, we need your partnership in an urgent way. Specifically, we need $50,000 in new support over and above our other commitments this month to continue and expand the "Farmers to Families" programs.

Many friends have already helped, but we are still far short of our goal to meet this need. Would you prayerfully consider making a gift today as we expand to meet the need that is before us? Go here to partner with Mercy Chefs to help provide life-supporting meals for hurting folks during this crisis, while we continue other efforts:

Every gift will make a difference -- $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more. Because we are leveraging resources through the Farmers to Families program, your gift of $50 will on average help us feed 100 people; $75 helps feed 150 people, $100 will get a meal to 200 people. 

On behalf of every family who is on the receiving end of your generosity and prayers, thank you and God bless you!

Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs

P.S. If your heart breaks like mine does for our hurting neighbors, please help! Every gift will make a difference. If you can make a special gift of $500, $1,000 or more at this time as we look to expand across the East Coast, please do! We are facing some major expenses, including renting another refrigerated truck, hiring a driver and warehouse costs. Go here to make your gift online, or for instructions on how to make your gift by check.