HOUGHTON LAKE — A Virginia-based nonprofit has deployed to Houghton Lake to provide hot, chef-prepared meals to residents and first responders following widespread power outages. Mercy Chefs began its relief operation in Roscommon County on March 20, 2026, in response to recent snowstorms that left many in northern Michigan without electricity.
The organization is partnering with St. John Lutheran Church to serve as a central hub for community gathering and food distribution. This initiative aims to support families and volunteers navigating the ongoing crisis without heat or the ability to cook at home.
Meals are available daily at St. John Lutheran Church, located at 2888 W. Houghton Lake Drive. Distribution takes place during two shifts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Professional chefs are on-site preparing the food to ensure it meets restaurant-quality standards for local families.
Gary LeBlanc is the founder and CEO of Mercy Chefs. He established the organization to provide professionally prepared food to those in disaster zones who lack the resources to cook for themselves. “Without heat or the ability to cook, many families are facing incredibly uncertain and frightening situations,” LeBlanc said. “We’re stepping in to do what we do best: provide hot, quality meals to those who need them most. In moments like this, a warm meal goes farther than you can imagine. Our goal is to restore a sense of warmth, normalcy and hope with every plate we serve.”
The nonprofit was founded in 2006 following Hurricane Katrina. LeBlanc started the group after he volunteered in New Orleans and observed a lack of high-quality food available to victims of the hurricane. Since its founding 20 years ago, the organization has served more than 35 million meals across the country and around the world.
The group often partners with existing ministries and food services to reach underserved communities. Mercy Chefs expects to continue serving meals in the coming days as power restoration efforts proceed. The organization intends to remain in the region for as long as the need persists among vulnerable households.