Meal policies and menu suggestions for the Ronald McDonald House
Thank you for offering to provide a meal for the families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House. After a long and stressful day at the hospital it is a welcome treat to return here and find a home cooked meal waiting. We hope these guidelines and menu ideas will be helpful. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call us at 295-1885.
Meal preparation and planning
Call ahead to set up a day and time that you want to bring a meal. 295-1885 or email Dinners are the most popular but weencourage groups to also consider providing breakfast or lunch .
Please limit the amount of food that you bring. While we have 18 rooms and are usually full, not all of our families return to the House for their meals. Plan to serve 15-20 people.
You can drop your meal off at any time between 8:30am and 9:00pm seven days a week. We have a large kitchen and can keep food hot or cold until meal time, depending on the need.
Snacks and treats such as cookies, brownies, cakes and pies can be dropped off at any time. You do not have to reserve a spot on the calendar to drop off treats or snack foods and they are always welcome
Unfortunately, we cannot accept perishable food left over from outdoor events.
Menu planning
Simple meals work well for our families. Something that can be stored easily and reheated later is ideal.
Many of our nursing moms cannot eat spicy foods.
We have found that our guests are not fond of pasta dishes and do not eat a lot of fresh salads.
Meals with a lot of ingredients are difficult for us to handle. Salad bars, taco bars, and potato bars are all fun but we do not have the containers or storage space for all of the leftovers.
Menu suggestions
Main course:
Fried or baked chickenMeatloaf Ham (10 -12 lbs.)
Hot dogs and hamburgersPizzaBeef stew
Beef or chicken casseroles (w/o pasta)Barbecue Soup and sandwiches
Vegetables and sides:
Potatoes of any kindPotato saladRice and gravy
Green vegetables (one bowl)Fruit or fruit saladBeans (such as pinto)
Mac and cheeseDeviled eggsVeggie casseroles
Breads (bring butter/margarine) French bread (1 loaf )Rolls (1-2 dozen)
Cornbread (one pan)
Desserts:
Any and all ( Limit ice cream to one gallon)