Families spend long days and nights at the hospital with their child. When they come back to their “home-away-from-home,” a hot nutritious meal gives these exhausted and overwhelmed families the chance to relax and connect with others before the next day starts.
Volunteer Groups
We rely on over 300 volunteer groups each year to prepare and serve meals. It’s a simple, meaningful way to help out and connect with families. This is a great employee engagement opportunity to encourage team building and volunteerism within your company! If you’re interested in serving in this way, organize a group of up to 12 people and submit a meal program reservation request.
Meal service support is $500 per meal. We welcome donations, grants, employee match, and employer matched volunteer time as a form of payment. Meal service support helps sustain our meal service program.
Meal Program Reservation Request
General Guidelines
- We are limited to 12 volunteers in the kitchen due to safety.
- Age minimum in the kitchen is 16 years old.
- Each meal service shift is 4 hours which includes a tour of the House, the opportunity to prepare and serve a meal to our families, and clean-up following the conclusion of the meal service.
- Your logo will be displayed at RMHC-SD on the day of service.
- Your team is welcome to represent your company with logoed apparel during your shift.
What time do we serve the meals?
- Breakfast: 7–8:30 a.m.
- Lunch: 12–1:30 p.m.
- Dinner: 6–7:30 p.m.
You will need to be available before, during, and after meal service times to help prep, serve, and clean up. Due to the increasing need, meal service hours have been extended to ensure residents and day visitors have access to meals. Please see the Meal Program Reservation Form for more information.
How many families are we cooking for?
We typically serve over 200 people per meal service.
Where do I park?
Please note that due to construction at the Rady Children’s Hospital campus, parking is limited. Our staff will work with your group to identify the best parking solutions. Carpooling is recommended to reduce the number of spots needed.
It’s our first time providing a meal. What if we need help?
Assigned Food Service staff will provide direction and guidance to ensure an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Want to learn more?
Email meals.activities@rmhcsd.org.