As Wahiawa cleans up from days of pounding rain and flood warnings, a Virginia-based disaster-relief nonprofit is stepping in with something simple but sorely needed: a hot meal.
Mercy Chefs, headquartered on the mainland, has deployed teams to Oʻahu and is serving free, hot, chef-prepared meals to residents, first responders and volunteers in the wake of recent Kona low flooding. The group will be preparing and handing out food at 1001 California Avenue in Wahiawa on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and again from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers and those impacted by flood conditions can pick up meals while supplies last. The distribution follows several days of heavy rain that triggered flood watches and localized outages across the island.
According to Hawaii News Now, Mercy Chefs mobilized crews to Oʻahu in response to the flooding from the Kona lows and confirmed the Wahiawa service schedule. “Our hearts are with the families and communities impacted by this devastating flooding,” founder and CEO Gary LeBlanc told the station. The outlet also reported that Mercy Chefs served about 74,000 meals after the 2023 Maui wildfires and that the organization has supplied millions of meals over its history.
Mercy Chefs on the ground
On its Hawaii response page, Mercy Chefs says teams were already serving on the islands and that the group plated its first meals on Wednesday night. The nonprofit is working with local partners to set up pop-up serving points and move food into neighborhoods affected by flooding. Mercy Chefs’ site is carrying updates and logistics for its relief operations as they adjust to changing conditions.
Why Oʻahu needs outside help
The group’s deployment comes as state officials respond to a high-impact Kona low that brought prolonged heavy rain, flash flooding and power outages to multiple islands. Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation ahead of the storm, and National Weather Service products listed flood watches and advisories for Oʻahu while crews and volunteers worked to clear debris and reach isolated areas.
How to get meals or help
Those who want to support relief efforts can donate through Mercy Chefs’ giving portal at their donation page, and Mercy Chefs’ Hawaii response page has the latest details on distribution. Local residents are encouraged to monitor city and county emergency channels before traveling to meal sites and to follow directions from first responders at pickup locations.
