Meals From The Heart

To ensure the safety of all volunteers, as well as the food safety of the meals being prepared for our families, all Meals from the Heart volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Meals from the Heart groups currently have a maximum group size of five volunteers (eight at the RMH near Lurie). During the COVID-19 crisis, we are limiting the group size to reduce the number of people in our Houses. If your group includes more than the maximum number of volunteers, we ask that you divide your group and provide meals on different dates or at different locations.

No – everyone in your group should be there to actively volunteer. Children or adults beyond the maximum group size are not able to attend.

All volunteers must be entirely illness- and symptom-free for at least 14 days before volunteering. For the safety of families, we will not allow volunteers with an illness or symptoms of any kind to participate at this time.

Any volunteer who tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of volunteering should inform us immediately by emailing [email protected].

This allows us to take the necessary steps for the safety and well-being of anyone else who may be impacted.

Groups should plan to volunteer for four hours. The exact timing of each opportunity differs based on location, so please view the tables above for a full, detailed list of the House and time expectation. Please note – groups are required to clean up after preparing the meal, so all volunteers should expect to be at the House until clean-up is complete.

No – to ensure food safety, all preparation must be done at the House. Any food or groceries brought with you must be unopened and unaltered from the time of purchase.

Catered food is allowed as long as it was prepared in a commercial kitchen and transported directly from the store or restaurant to the House or Family Room.

The Houses provide all dishes, glasses, silverware, and kitchen equipment needed to prepare and serve your meal. If you have a question about a specific item, please contact the House where you plan to volunteer.

Through Culinary Hearts, volunteer groups provide financial donations to support the program and our culinary team takes care of planning the meal and purchasing all ingredients. Volunteers only need to bring their enthusiasm and excitement to get in the kitchen!

In an effort to reduce the number of visitors moving through the House, and for the health and safety of the families staying with us, we are not able to offer group tours at this time. Groups are welcome to view the photo tours of each program location.

If you have questions about Meals from the Heart, our current guidelines, or your group’s participation that haven’t been answered above, please contact:

Volunteer Services 
[email protected]