MERCY CHEFS

For months, we had been hoping to volunteer with Mercy Chefs, but our busy schedules kept getting in the way. When we finally found a window of opportunity last week, we didn't hesitate. We packed our bags and hit the road toward Black Mountain, North Carolina, taking the scenic route through Virginia and Johnson City, Tennessee. As we arrived in Black Mountain, the evidence of nature's fury was still visible, but so was this tight-knit community's resilience.

Driving through Asheville was particularly sobering. The once-vibrant downtown area is not the same anymore. Streets that used to bustle with tourists and locals alike were eerily quiet, with noticeably fewer people around. Everywhere we looked, we saw ongoing rebuilding efforts alongside piles of debris that still haven't been cleared. It's a stark reminder that recovery from natural disasters is agonizingly slow.

What's most heartbreaking is that the families are still struggling nearly a year later. Many don't even have the relative security of a FEMA trailer to call home. These are people whose lives were upended in a matter of hours and who now face the daunting task of rebuilding not just structures but entire lives without adequate resources or support systems.

Mercy Chefs has established an impressive operation here serving approximately 1,000 meals every single day and up to 10,000 meals weekly . The scale of their commitment is matched only by the quality of the food they prepare. This isn't standard disaster relief fare; these are thoughtfully prepared, nutritious, and delicious meals created with dignity in mind for those receiving them.

One of the highlights of our experience was meeting Chef Abigail, who owns a bakery and food truck back in Reedsville, North Carolina. Despite having her own business to run, she has dedicated several months to serving with Mercy Chefs in Black Mountain. Her culinary talent was evident in every dish, but it was her friendly demeanor and genuine compassion that truly stood out. She approached each meal preparation not just as a chef but as someone deeply invested in bringing comfort through food.

Our volunteer group was skillfully coordinated by Carol from Georgia, a retired high school economics teacher. Her organizational abilities, honed through years in the classroom, translated perfectly to managing the bustling kitchen and dining operations. Carol's warm personality and leadership helped create a positive atmosphere even during the busiest serving times.

On our second day of volunteering, we were treated to a surprise visit from a Kona Ice truck, which arrived to offer refreshing treats to all the volunteers. After hours in the kitchen, this thoughtful gesture provided delicious shaved ice and a moment of levity and connection among the volunteer team. It was a reminder that even in challenging circumstances, there's room for celebration and gratitude.

What struck me most about Mercy Chefs' operation in Black Mountain is their long-term commitment. While many disaster relief efforts naturally wind down after the immediate crisis passes, Mercy Chefs plans to remain in Black Mountain through August 2025, marking almost a full year of continuous support since the floods devastated the region.

This sustained presence speaks volumes about their understanding of disaster recovery. it’s not measured in days or weeks, but in months and years. Communities need partners willing to stay the course, and Mercy Chefs has proven to be exactly that kind of partners.

As we reluctantly packed up to head home, I found myself profoundly affected by the experience. We chopped fruits, veggies, and bread, packed Sister Schuster Rolls, and counted hundreds of sour cream and salsa packets. For anyone considering ways to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by disaster, I cannot recommend volunteering with Mercy Chefs highly enough. Their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to serving with dignity create an environment where both volunteers and those being served walk away with their spirits lifted.

If you're interested in supporting Mercy Chefs or volunteering with them, visit their website to learn about current and upcoming opportunities to serve communities in need. www.mercychefs.com