Prepare a Meal Volunteers

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One of our biggest needs at the Ronald McDonald House is to provide a home-cooked meal every night for our families. After a long day at the hospital, families look forward to a hot meal waiting for them. This is great for family/friend groups or corporate team building. This is also great for teens who are looking to get hours for their silver cord or community service hours. We have two Houses that you can choose from. Our House near Blank Children's Hospital and our House Inside of MercyOne (North Side on the 4th Floor)

To find a date, please go to takethemameal.com.

• Start by clicking on Find a Meal Schedule.
• Select a House:
  • For Our House Near Blank: Username: RMHBLANK Password: 2024
  • For Our House Inside MercyOne: Username: RMHMERCY Password: 2024
• Locate the date you wish to sign up for and click on Take
  • If you need to change the date or need to update any information, please email me at maggie@rmhdesmoines.org to update or change the date.

FAQ

• HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN PARTICIPATE IN OUR GROUP?
  
  • Due to the size of our kitchen, we limit your group to no more than 10 people.
• What if I have more than 10?
  • If you have more than 10 people in your group, we ask you to split up your group so that 10 people can cook and the other half can help with housekeeping needs.
• What do I need to bring with me?
  • We will typically have all of the tools and utensils that you will need; you will just need to bring all of the ingredients.
    • Often, we’ll have canned or dry goods in our cupboards, which you are welcome to use. Please feel free to call the house to inquire about the items on hand.
• CAN I BRING HOMEMADE FOOD IN?
  
  • Due to RMH Global Guidelines, we are unable to accept homemade food that is not prepared in a licensed kitchen.
• HOW MUCH FOOD SHOULD I MAKE?
  • We ask that you prepare a meal for 50 people at RMH near Blank Children's Hospital.
    • This will be divided between our two houses based on occupancy at the time. To ensure our schedule is consistent for families, we ask that the meal be ready at 6 p.m.
• WHAT TIME DO I COME IN?
  • We will reserve the volunteer kitchen from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.However, if you would like to come in earlier, please call and make sure that the volunteer kitchen is open.
• CAN I STAY AND VISIT WITH THE FAMILY AFTER MAKING THE MEAL?
  
  • You are welcome to stay and visit with the families during the meal; however, many times families do not return to the house until late. We leave the meal out for an hour before it is put into the refrigerator as leftovers.
• WHAT SHOULD I MAKE?
  • We want you to have fun, be creative, and enjoy yourself. There is no need to worry about food allergies or dietary restrictions.

If you have any other questions or want to know more information, please contact Maggie at maggie@rmhdesmoines.org or call 515-204-2005.