Due to the nature of the coronavirus pandemic, group size is limited to no more than 8 people and masks must be worn at all times.
Adopt-A-Meal
For a family with a seriously ill child, a long day at the hospital can be exhausting, and a delicious meal can be quite the pick-me-up. Our goal is to provide families with at least one meal a day at the Ronald McDonald House, and we depend on volunteer groups to prepare and organize homemade meals for our families. Our volunteer groups are families, churches, school groups, or community organizations, many of whom have been coming for years. Sign-up to be an Adopt-A-Meal group and help season our kitchen with love.
Meal Times
Dinner is served at 6 pm. The kitchen is reserved for your group from 4 pm-8 pm to ensure time for preparation and clean-up.
Brunch is served at 10 am. The kitchen is reserved for your group from 8 am-12 pm to ensure time for preparation and clean-up.
Please review our Adopt-A-Meal guidelines to learn more about this volunteer opportunity.
To help with your planning, check out our available dates calendar and meal suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should my group cook?
You can check out our meal suggestions here. A lot of groups cook tacos and spaghetti, so we are always looking for a creative spin on these dishes.
Do you provide the food?
While we do have basic pantry items, we ask that all meal groups bring their own food. All food must be in its original packaging and cooked in our commercial kitchen.
How much food should I purchase?
Most groups prepare a main course with two sides. You may also bring salads (pasta, green, fruit, etc.), however, these items do not need to be purchased in as large of quantities.
How many people should I cook for?
We recommend groups prepare food for at least 60 people. We encourage you to call our front desk, 502.581.1416, 2 days before your scheduled meal for the most accurate headcount.
What happens after we finish serving our meal?
While we may have up to 56 families staying with us, not all of them will be back from the hospital for the day to enjoy your meal at dinnertime. After serving, meal groups will help portion out individual servings in containers to be placed in our Help Yourself fridges for families to grab at their convenience. In addition to putting away leftovers, all groups help clean and prepare our kitchen for the next meal group.
Can I bring my kids with me to cook?
Children over the age of 10 are welcome in our commercial kitchen. Due to the nature of a commercial kitchen, we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 10.
Will I be volunteering with others?
It will just be your group prepping, cooking, serving, and cleaning. We will have a staff member onsite to give you an orientation and assist with anything you may need.
Can I Adopt-A-Meal on a monthly/quarterly basis?
Absolutely! Just reach out to our Program Coordinator to set up a schedule.
Is parking available?
Free parking is available in the lot across from our main entrance at 550 S. First Street.
Season our kitchen with love.