Help make mealtime special
This program at the RMHC Charleston provides a much-needed support service to families in South Carolina taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. After a long day at the hospital, a hot meal is a welcome gift.
Whether it’s starting the day out with a nourishing breakfast or ending it with a warm, homemade dinner, these meals play a crucial role in supporting families as they navigate their child’s medical journey. Our goal is to provide meals every day to the families who rely on us.
Volunteers have the chance to make a direct impact by preparing or delivering a delicious meal in a welcoming environment where families can find solace and strength together. Join us in the Meals That Heal program and become a source of hope and nourishment for families in need.
Contact Volunteer@RMHCharleston.org to see how you can help!
Who Can Participate?
Everyone can help cook for our RMHC Charleston families! Families, friends, university and high school student groups, businesses, churches, civic organizations, and more can sign up to cook in person or provide catered meals.
How Does It Work?
Your donated, prepared meal helps ensure our families have access to nutritious meals each and every day, all day.
How Can I Help? Cook In The House!
Cooking for families at the Ronald McDonald House is a heartwarming experience that brings comfort and appreciation to our families after a long day at the hospital – there is nothing more special than coming back to a home-cooked meal. Volunteer by getting together with friends, family, or co-workers to plan a menu and prepare a meal right here at our House! We provide the kitchen; you provide the food. Whether you’re cooking a favorite recipe or sharing a meal from your cultural background, your time and effort create moments of connection and support. Make it a one-time event or a monthly date, we’d love to taste your culinary skills!
Meals That Heal Guidelines:
- Groups are responsible for cooking for approximately 25 people (breakfast/weekend brunch) and 45 people (dinner).
- Groups are responsible for bringing all food ingredients needed for desired meal. To help supplement the House, groups are encouraged to bring paper products (paper plates, disposable cups, plastic utensils, etc.), but are not required.
- Groups of no larger than 8 people.
- Frequent handwashing and the use of gloves while cooking is required to keep our families safe.
- Breakfast is served between 7:30 am – 8:00 am. Groups may arrive to cook any time after 6:30 am.
- Weekend Brunch is served between 9:30am – 10:00 am. Groups may arrive to cook any time after 8:30 am.
- Dinner is served at 6:00 pm. Groups may arrive to cook any time after 3:00 pm.
- Cooking/meal prep takes approximately 2 hours.
- Meals should be served buffet-style for 1 – 1.5 hours. Groups will package and refrigerate leftovers in To-Go containers.
Planning Your Meal:
All meals must be prepared at the Ronald McDonald House or delivered from a restaurant or catering service. Our kitchen accommodates up to 8 people and has cookware and utensils needed to prepare your meal. Well-rounded menus (main dish, side dish, vegetables, fruits, etc.) are recommended. Beverages and dessert are optional!
Cleaning Up:
Cleaning the cookware and utensils used to prepare the food is greatly appreciated. This includes wiping down counters and loading the dishwasher. Once meals are set out for the families, and cookware and utensils are cleaned, volunteers are free to leave.
Mealtimes & Serving Amounts:
Breakfast – Serving 25 people at 7:30 am – 8:00 am
Weekend Brunch – Serving 25 people at 9:30 am – 10:00 am
Dinner – Serving 45 people at 6:00 pm
Ready To Come In and Cook?
How Can I Help? Have A Meal Delivered!
You can provide a warm meal for families at our House without ever leaving your home! Sign up to work with your favorite local restaurant and schedule to have a meal delivered on an available night. You’re also more than welcome to deliver the meal yourself! By providing catered meals, you’re also supporting local businesses during this very challenging time.
Meal Delivery Guidelines:
- Breakfast is served at 7:30 am – 8:00 am. Please schedule delivery as close to that time as possible.
- Dinner is served at 6:oo pm. Please schedule delivery as close to that time as possible.
- The delivered meal must serve 25 people (breakfast) and 45 people (dinner), and meals must be delivered in individual boxes.
- All meals should be delivered to 81 Gadsden St. Charleston, SC 29401 (the door on the park side of the House).
- If your preferred caterer doesn’t offer delivery, you can pick up the meals and deliver them yourself.
Ready To Deliver A Meal?
How Can I Help? Sponsor A Meal!
Can’t provide a whole meal or prefer not to schedule a delivery? No problem! You can make a monetary donation below to our Meals That Heal Program and we’ll coordinate the rest.
Please watch this quick, 2-minute video to help prepare for your meal!
“The dinners have been delicious. The meals have helped relieve a huge amount of stress and worry during this very difficult time in our life. Thank you!” – The Gleich Family
