Portsmouth, Va. (Dec. 15, 2025) – Bon Secours Hampton Roads and Mercy Chefs joined forces today to support local families in need this holiday season. At the Bon Secours Community Health Hub, Bon Secours distributed 200 grocery boxes generously provided by Mercy Chefs, each containing enough ingredients to prepare 50 meals for a family of four, for a total of 10,000 meals for Portsmouth residents.
Bon Secours recognizes that many of the factors that influence health happen outside hospital walls. Because individual and community well-being are shaped by access to basic needs like nutritious food, the Bon Secours community health team focuses on extending the compassionate ministry of Jesus and improving the health of the communities we serve. One way we do that is through our weekly food pantry, helping us care for both the whole person and the whole community.
“We are so grateful to Mercy Chefs for partnering with us to support the families we serve through our food pantry at the Bon Secours Community Health Hub,” said Pat Davis-Hagens, market president, Bon Secours – Hampton Roads. “This has been a challenging year for many, and providing enough ingredients to prepare 50 meals per family not only ensures they have food today but also helps sustain them through the holidays.”
Each Mercy Chefs grocery box includes a variety of shelf-stable items that help families prepare nutritious, easy-to-make meals. The boxes include canned fruits and vegetables, soups, pasta, rice, tuna, chicken, mac and cheese, instant oatmeal, powdered milk, pasta sauce, and seasonings, along with a recipe card to help families make the most of the ingredients.
“As a Portsmouth-based ministry, we are honored to support the Bon Secours Food Pantry with these 200 grocery boxes,” said Gary LeBlanc, founder & CEO of Mercy Chefs. “Meeting the practical needs of our neighbors is at the heart of our mission, and we’re grateful for partners like Bon Secours who share our commitment to caring for this community. Together, we can ensure that families right here in Portsmouth have access to the nutritious meals they deserve.”
The event marks the beginning of a growing partnership between Bon Secours and Mercy Chefs, who plan to continue exploring opportunities to collaborate. Together, the organizations are committed to uplifting communities through health and well-being initiatives, addressing social determinants of health, including food insecurity, and supporting families year-round.
“Partnering with Mercy Chefs is a meaningful way to make sure no one goes hungry during this season, and we appreciate their effort to help us support the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” added Phyllita Bolden, community health director for Bon Secours – Hampton Roads.