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Provide a Meal to Families

Baking Buddies and Family Meal Program

Our Baking Buddies & Family Meal Program provides support to families taking care of their sick children, and often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare food or a snack. After a long day at the hospital, a hot meal or a late-night dessert are a blessing!

IMPORTANT!! Due to food handling and safety precautions, all meals must be prepared at the Ronald McDonald House kitchen. Please do not prep or mix ingredients at home. Meals catered by a restaurant or grocery store are permitted.

HOW IT WORKS

  • APPLICATION: New volunteers and anyone who has not provided a meal or volunteered for 3 years or more must fill out an application by visiting rmhcswfl.org/volunteer.
  • SCHEDULE: Review the calendar for available dates and select two potential options in case your first choice is unavailable. Email Jess with the event dates and menu (if possible), to [email protected]. CLICK HERE to view the meal calendar!
  • MENU: Email the menu at least two weeks before the scheduled date. To avoid duplicate meals, refer to the calendar for meals before and after your day. You must purchase all ingredients and prepare the meal and baked goods on-site. Catering or delivering the meal is also an option.
  • GROCERIES: Email or call for an accurate guest count prior to shopping for groceries. We strive to provide enough food and also avoid waste, so we ask that you adhere to the quantities we suggest. When in doubt or if unsure of how much to cook for a large group please inquire, and we will assist you.
  • COOK/BAKE: Groups are limited to a maximum of six people:
    • Baking Buddies: Arrive after 9:00 am, Baked goods and and clean-up completed by 12:00 pm.
    • Family Meal Program: Arrive after 2:00 pm. Arrangements can be made for earlier start time. The meal must be ready to go and set up by 5:00 pm. Please read flyer in the kitchen with important reminders prior to cooking.
  • CLEAN: Please clean as you go. Wipe down all counters and stove tops. Wash, dry and return pots, pans, large bowls, large cookie sheets and knives to designated locations as well as other small appliances used. All other items can be placed in the dishwasher.
  • SIGN: We have all the tools necessary to make a sign for your menu and then placed in a plexi.
  • 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 @Ronald McDonald House® SWFL on any social media posts or you can send photos directly to Marketing Director, Amy Velez.

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.

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