Nourishing Both Body and Soul
“The meals prepared by volunteers nourished our souls in the way only food prepared with love can,” said the mother of a child receiving medical care at Children’s Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Ronald McDonald House knows that caring for families throughout their child’s healthcare journey extends far beyond just providing a place to stay. It also means they receive the wrap-around services they need – including nutritious meals to soothe their minds, bodies, and souls. While mealtime might look a little different around the world, this service helps families recharge mentally and physically, all within a nurturing community.
For example, in Minneapolis, Ronald McDonald House Upper Midwest provides three meals per day to families – accommodating their needs and schedules – and delivering roughly 3,000 varied and nutritious meals each week. The Chapter’s “Fresh FamFare” meal team is dedicated to developing partnerships with local food manufacturers and distributors, food service suppliers, caterers and more, to keep families nourished and supported all day long.
Meanwhile in Louisville, Kentucky, renowned Chef James leads a program called “Meals from the Heart” to ensure warm meals are available to families every day.
“Chef James has transformed dinnertime,” said April Sage, Ronald McDonald House Kentuckiana Communications Manager. “We now have a wide variety of healthy cuisines served nightly, with kid-friendly options, too! Best yet, our volunteers are even more engaged with our staff and families thanks to these new, more structured mealtimes.”
And families served by Ronald McDonald House Spain also enjoyed an elevated culinary experience when the head chef at the world-famous El Cellar de Can Roca, a three-Michelin Star restaurant in Giorna, Spain, was a guest at the House while his son was being treated nearby.
Chef César Calfa Collet wanted to give back to the organization that has given him so much. While staying at the House, he infuses mealtime with his culinary gifts, and teaches other families and staff how to prepare nutritious meals. One of his family-friendly recipes is the delicious vegetarian fusilli with fresh, farm-to-table mushrooms and asparagus.
Whether through innovative staff-led programs, the talents of a world-class chef, or the generosity of a grateful parent, Ronald McDonald House continues to expand what care looks like for families to help promote healing and to strengthen the whole family all along their healthcare journey.
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“Having already endured trauma during the evacuation from Afghanistan, keeping the families together was our top priority.”
“The Ronald McDonald House was extraordinary. The staff was extremely kind and it truly is a home away from home.”
These partners and their consistent steadfast support is essential to our ability to help families around the world feel at home…even when they can’t be.
“It was great to all be together when my brother was sick. When we visited him at the hospital, he was always smiling and happy to see us.”
“Ronald McDonald House helps keep families together and feel supported throughout their journey.”
“Sophia and Yuri found a community of support in other families going through similar situations.”
“It was such a relief because the girls were very compromised in the beginning and it just allowed us to focus on them.”
“The smiles on their faces were priceless and motivated me to continue volunteering.”
“We are grateful to be able to count committed partners like Cargill®.”
“When Juliana was hospitalized, we could rest knowing we were just steps away from her hospital bed thanks to Ronald McDonald House.”
"Thankfully, our valued partners recognize that now more than ever, the Ronald McDonald House system is reliant on their support."
“Ray Kroc Heritage Society donors continue the legacy of Ray Kroc, in whose memory Ronald McDonald House was founded.”
“I am honored to be entrusted with leadership of this truly superb organization.”
"I have to be here by her side."
“We found more than a roof over our head, we found our family."
“This is more than a place to sleep and eat…a place to be supported together.”
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“The gift of being together just makes you feel like you’re going to be okay.”
“We found comfort in spending time with family and newfound friends.”