MEAL PROVIDERS

After a long day at the hospital our families look forward to a hot meal waiting for them. By
coming into one of our Houses and cooking a meal for our families you can help relieve one
more burden that our families have.

  • If you are interested in becoming a meal provider at one or both of our Houses, please check
    out our meal schedules at by clicking the button below:

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

    Once you reach the page, there will be information at the top. Scroll down to see the list of dates available at each House. Click "Take" to sign up for the date of your choice.

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    • All ingredients will need to be supplied by you.  Often, we’ll have canned or dry goods in our cupboards which you are welcome to use.  Please feel free to call the House to inquire about items on hand.  Because of State of Iowa health regulations, the meal must be prepared in our kitchen or purchased from a restaurant. 
    • We have plenty of cookware and crock pots, as well as plates, cups and flatware available for you to use. Each House has a big kitchen with 2 ovens, 2 stoves, 2 refrigerators, and 2 microwaves. We even have 2 gas grills at RMH near Blank Children’s Hospital available from May-October.
    • Please bring ingredients to prepare a meal for 35 people. If you are preparing a meal for both houses, please bring enough for 70 people. *Please note that if you are serving meals at both houses, we ask that you prepare the meal at RMH near Blank Children's Hospital and then deliver it to our House inside of MercyOne.
    • To ensure our schedule is consistent for families, we ask that the meal is ready at 6pm. The kitchen will be reserved for you from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. If you need to come outside of that timeframe, please contact Maggie or our House to make arrangements.
    • You are welcome to stay and visit with the families during the meal; however, many times families do not return to the House until 9:30 pm and then re-heat the food. We typically leave the meal out for an hour before it is put into refrigerator as leftovers.
    • We want you to have fun, be creative and enjoy yourself. There is no need to worry about food allergies or dietary restrictions. 

    If you have any questions, please call our Volunteer Coordinator, Maggie at (515) 204-2005 or email maggie@rmhdesmoines.org. During evenings or on weekends, you can also call the House at 515-243-2111.