Just did a ride-along with @MercyChefs as they delivered meals to veterans displaced by Hurricane Helene. Among the incredible people I met was Chef Trey. Before the storm, he worked at a mom-and-pop restaurant, pouring his heart into his craft. Then came the floodwaters—minor compared to the devastation in other places, but enough to keep customers away for a month. The restaurant couldn’t survive, and like that, it was gone. What happened next is a ripple effect we don’t always talk about after disasters: loss of livelihood, purpose, and direction. Chef Trey found himself driving around town, unsure of what to do next. That’s when he spotted Mercy Chefs at a hospital, feeding those in need. He pulled over, introduced himself, and volunteered. One meal turned into a mission. And soon, it turned into a full-time role as a chef again. Every single one of us has something to give, and sometimes, it’s as simple as a warm meal. But to someone in need, it’s so much more—it’s comfort, hope, and a reminder that they’re not alone. Helene took a lot from this community, but it couldn’t take away their resilience or their willingness to help each other rebuild. Thank you, Chef Trey, and all the heroes out there proving that kindness is the most powerful ingredient of all. #wnc #recovery #meals #food