Our Services
We believe in the power of a snack
Ronald McDonald House® stocks free snack pantries inside the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Families can find them in the lounge areas throughout University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Where you’ll find us
On the pediatric floors and surgical waiting area.
Most pantries are located in the lounges on each pediatric unit.
Kept full by people here
The pantries run on donated snacks and grant support. Your support is always welcome.
How you can help
Bring food items to Ronald McDonald House, 730 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, during business hours. A few things to keep in mind:
- Single-serving, always. Individual cups and packets rather than family-size boxes.
- Shelf-stable. Nothing that needs to be kept cold.
- Store-bought and sealed. If you’d rather make something, consider preparing a meal at the House.
If you’d rather not shop, consider making a donation through our Wish Lists.
46,000
Items given from our food pantry to families each year
2,100
Families served in 2025
19,762
Meals served to families in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Snacks on the House
Donating snacks
Not for the pantries — everything in them has to be sealed in its original packaging. Homemade cooking has a home in Prepare a Meal instead.
Yes, send them to us at Ronald McDonald House, 730 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52246.
Yes, and there’s nothing to set up with us first. Put one person in charge of collecting and sorting what comes in, then bring it to the House when the drive wraps up.
Individually packaged snacks are welcome year-round. Children’s illnesses don’t take a break, so our pantries don’t either!
Using the pantries
No. The pantries are open to families on those hospital units whether or not they’re staying with us.
We have snacks and food available in the Family Room for families with a child in the NICU, Pediatric Unit or the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit.
More resources for families
Ronald McDonald House — Iowa City
Thirty-one private rooms near University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, for families staying through their child’s treatment.
Ronald McDonald House Family Room — University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital
On Level 3 in Iowa City, for families with a child in the Pediatric or Pediatric Cardiac ICU.
Ronald McDonald House Family Room — UnityPoint Health – St. Luke's Hospital
In Cedar Rapids, for families from the NICU, the Pediatric Unit, or the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit.