Get Involved
Share a meal from the heart
Being able to provide families with a hot meal after a long day at the hospital is an invaluable part of their stay, and we are so grateful to the volunteers who step into our kitchen to make that possible.
Meal groups can volunteer at either of our locations: the Ronald McDonald House® in Iowa City or the Ronald McDonald House Family Room at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
Can’t make it for dinner? No problem! Groups can also prepare freezer-friendly meals that our staff can heat and serve to families at a later time. This helps ensure there is always a warm, comforting meal available when families need it most.
Explore our meal options
Prepare a meal in Iowa City
Help make families feel at home by providing a hot meal at the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City. Each evening, 40-50 guests enjoy dinner at the House. Your group will prepare the meal and set it out for families to enjoy.
Prepare a meal in Cedar Rapids
The Family Room at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital serves families whose child is receiving care in one of the pediatric units. While we typically serve around 12 guests each evening, families greatly appreciate the comfort of a homemade meal at the end of a long day.
Stock the Freezer with Love
Help make freezer-friendly dishes for our kitchen staff to heat up for future dinners, so there is always a hot meal provided. This opportunity is for the Iowa City house only and happens in the mornings rather than in the evenings.
Sponsor a meal instead
If your group’s calendar won’t line up with ours, you can fund a catered meal for our families. Same warm dinner on the table, no date to hold.
Frequently asked questions about cooking meals at Ronald McDonald House
Due to food safety regulations all food we serve needs to be made in a commercial kitchen. If you have any questions please reach out to our chef at kitchen@ronaldmcdonaldhouseic.org.
The House in Iowa City features a commercial kitchen with appliances, cookware, serving utensils, tableware and essentials. The Family Room in Cedar Rapids has an oven, electric skillets, crockpots, an Instant Pot, pots and pans, basic spices, tableware and serving utensils — but no stovetop. If a recipe needs something to boil, say so ahead of your date and we’ll work around it.
No, we do not coordinate meals around dietary restrictions.
While classic meals like spaghetti, lasagna, and tacos are always welcome, families also love the opportunity to enjoy the meals your group is known for. Whether it’s a favorite family recipe or a dish your own family loves, there’s something special about a meal made from the heart.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are also always a welcome addition. With families spending so much time at the hospital, access to fresh produce can be limited, so adding fruits and vegetables to your meal is a simple way to make a big difference.
Other ways to help
Volunteer
Sign up for regular shifts at the House. Application and background check required.
Host a fundraiser
Run your own event and share the proceeds with us.
Events
Volunteer at the Red Shoe Run, the Golf Gala and the rest of the year’s events.