In an effort to address the pressing issue of food insecurity and support families with seriously ill children, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Canada is proud to introduce the RMHC Family Cookbook. This heartwarming collection of recipes, straight from the kitchens of the 16 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada, aims to provide hope and nourishment to those in need. What’s more, every download of the cookbook enables a generous donation from RBC Insurance, to help feed families being supported by RMHC across the country.
Recent data reveals that caring for a sick child can cost a family of five in Canada up to $20,000 in out−of−pocket expenses during the first month alone, including a staggering $5,800 on food. RMHC across Canada helps to alleviate both the financial and emotional stress on families by providing critical meal programming to ensure families are nourished for long days at the hospital by their child’s bedside.
After accommodations, food has become the most in-demand support program at RMHC across Canada. In fact, in 2023 RMHC provided 44 per cent more meals to families than the year prior. Beyond providing essential resources to alleviate some of the financial pressure on families, RMHC also alleviates the mental burden of meal planning and logistics, offering thoughtful programs for parents and siblings to experience moments of respite.
While RMHC can accommodate up to 554 families each night across the country, the reality is that 4 out of 5 families are unable to receive support from a Ronald McDonald due to lack of space. This underscores the urgency and importance of initiatives like the RMHC Family Cookbook.
The RMHC Family Cookbook
To meet the growing demand for food support, Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room programs have been expanding support to enhance food accessibility for families facing long days at the hospital. Across the country, these include employing professional chefs in Ronald McDonald House kitchens, offering to-go meals and baked goods, food delivery to hospital units, and even providing a fully stocked commercial kitchen for families to bond over preparing their own meals together.
Renowned Canadian restaurateur and TV personality, Chef Chuck Hughes, has graciously contributed his expertise to the cookbook, sharing his own signature recipe: a hearty chicken stew with dumplings that promises to warm the hearts of the entire family.
To support this incredible cause, simply download the RMHC Family Cookbook to enable a donation to RMHC Canada from RBC Insurance up to $250,000, helping to feed families as they care for their sick child.
To download the cookbook, click here.
For more information about RMHC Canada, please visit www.RMHCCanada.ca or follow @RMHCcanada on social media.