Family Meal Program

The Family Meal Program provides support to families who are taking care of their sick children, and often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a home-cooked meal. After a long day at the hospital, a hot meal is a blessing!

IMPORTANT!! Due to food handling and safety precautions, all meals must be prepared at the Ronald McDonald House kitchen. Meals catered by a restaurant or grocery store are permitted.

HOW IT WORKS

  • APPLICATION: If you haven’t already done so, please fill out a Volunteer Application online at rmhcswfl.org/volunteer.
  • SCHEDULE: After your application has been approved, it’s time to schedule a date to come cook in our kitchen! Please call Illeny at 239-437-0202 with your desired date, name, organization (if applicable), phone number and email. Meal calendar coming soon!
  • MENU: Decide on your menu and purchase the ingredients. Dessert isn’t required but is enjoyed by the families and can be prepared on site as well. Pre-packaged, sealed desserts are acceptable. Beverages are not required. Please call us to confirm your menu; this avoids duplication of meals. Additionally, prior to your cooking date, call to confirm number of guests in the House.
  • COOK: Suggested arrival time is approximately 3:00 p.m. Please advise if you need to arrive earlier. We ask that the meal be ready between 5:00 p.m.– 5:30 p.m. If you are with a group, we ask that you keep your group size to four people.
  • CLEAN: Please clean up the kitchen after the meal preparation. Do not place pots, pans, or cookie sheets in the dishwasher. Please wash, dry, and return to designated location.
  • THANKS: To receive an acknowledgment letter, please email or fill out the form on the clipboard at reception.
  • SHARE: Did you take photos of your fun cooking experience? We’d love to see them! Feel free to tag @rmhcswfl on any social media posts or you can send photos directly to Marketing Director, Amy Velez via email: amy@rmhcswfl.org

THINGS TO NOTE

  • We have all the cooking and baking tools you need! From pots and pans, to crock pots and KitchenAid Mixer, we have it all! All you must worry about bringing are your ingredients.
  • You may or may not see families while you are at the house. They are at the hospital on irregular schedules. Know that the meals are greatly appreciated. Every minute they don’t have to cook, means more time with their child.
  • If you’re unable to come in and prepare a meal, consider purchasing a meal to be delivered by a local restaurant. Questions? Call 239-437-0202 or visit rmhcswfl.org/family-meal.
  • If you’d simply like to make a cash donation towards feeding our families, please click here and select “Family Meal Program” in the dropdown menu.

Thank you so much for helping our families during a time when they need it the most.

Watch our video to see how the process works! 

 

VOLUNTEER