Adopt-A-Meal

🍽 Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire

MEALS FROM THE HEART
Volunteer Meal Program – Procedural Instructions

❤️ Program Overview:

Thank you for providing a home-cooked meal to families staying at Ronald McDonald House during their child’s medical treatment. Your generosity brings comfort, nourishment, and a sense of home when it’s needed most.

📅 Step 1: Schedule Your Meal

Contact either Josh Taylor (Assistant House Director) or Lizzy Ross (House Operations Director) to select your date:

• • Josh: josh@rmhccoastalempire.org | Sun–Thurs, 4 PM – 12 AM
  • Lizzy: lizzy@rmhccoastalempire.org | Mon–Fri, 10 AM – 6 PM
  • Visit our online Meal Calendar below to view available dates.
  • Or call us at 912-350-7641

• Meals are typically served daily at 6:00 PM, but brunch and lunch options are also welcome!
• If you’re signing up as a group (corporate, church, civic, school, or family), please note the group name in your sign-up.
• After confirming your date, please complete and return the Meal Program Application at least 3 days in advance.
• Need to cancel? Please give at least 24 hours’ notice so we can make alternate arrangements.

🛒 Step 2: Plan Your Menu

– You may prepare any complete meal (entrée + sides) of your choosing. Desserts and drinks are appreciated but optional.
– We serve 25-35 people on average. You’ll receive a reminder and an updated headcount a few days before your meal.
– Meals must be prepared on-site or delivered from a licensed commercial kitchen (per health code regulations—no home-prepared food).

👨‍🍳 Step 3: Day-of Logistics

Arrival:

– Arrive early enough to prepare your meal- Meals are served daily at 6:00 PM to meet the needs of the families. Come to the front entrance (ring the bell).
– Our team will greet you, give you a quick kitchen tour, and help get you set up. Please do not answer the door or let any of your team into the House.  Please allow RMH staff or volunteers to do that.

Food Prep:

– You’ll have full access to our commercial kitchen: stove, oven, fridge, prep space, and utensils.
– Disposable pans/containers are encouraged for easy cleanup.
– We provide plates, utensils, napkins, and drinks (if you’re not bringing your own).

Serving:

– Dinner is served at 6:00 PM—self-serve buffet style.
– Volunteers are welcome to serve and stay to eat with our families (and we’d love that!), or you may drop off and go.
– Please wear closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and wash your hands frequently.

🧽 Step 4: Cleanup

– Wipe down all prep and dining surfaces.
– Wash or load any used kitchen items in the dishwasher.
– Take out trash if full (bin is located on the side of the House).
– Any leftovers will be labeled and dated clearly- we’ll refrigerate and offer them later to families.

🙏 Notes of Gratitude

– Please leave a note or snap a photo! Families love seeing the smiling faces behind the meal.
– If you’d like to sponsor a meal but can’t be there in person, we’ll handle ordering/delivery in your name. Just let us know!

🚨 Reminders

– No home-cooked food (per Georgia Health Dept. / Ronald McDonald House Global)
– All volunteers must be symptom-free of illness and fever-free for 24 hours.
– An adult must accompany volunteers under 18.

📞 Questions or Changes?

Contact us at:
Phone: (912) 350-7641
Email: josh@rmhccoastalempire.org or lizzy@rmhccoastalempire.org
Address: 4710 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404

Your kindness feeds more than just stomachs—it feeds hope.
Thank you for being part of our mission to keep families close