Big or small, our community partners make an impact in the communities they serve, and we couldn’t drive hunger from our communities without them. Organizations such as churches, senior centers, non-profits, emergency kitchens, and many more help us drive our mission to end hunger. One of our partners, The Ronald McDonald House Charities, runs a program in Philadelphia that creates hope for families of ill children.

Conveniently located in the heart of University City in Philadelphia, the Ronald McDonald House Charities, or RMHC is the first Ronald McDonald House of 375 built in the United States. The founder, Dr. Audrey E. Evans realized that there was a need for families who spend the night in the hospital while their children received medical care. Thus, the Ronald McDonald House was born on October 15, 1975. This huge operation provides meals, transportation, temporary lodging, and social services to families whose children are receiving medical treatment in Philadelphia.

One of the biggest operations within RMHC is the dining hall. Twice a day, kitchen staff prepare meals for about 200+ guests. Free breakfast and dinner are provided every day as well as grab and go snacks, fruit, juice, milk, and sandwiches. With inflation affecting the cost of food, our partnership takes a huge weight off the families at RMHC. Sara Basko, a guest at the Ronald McDonald House, traveled from Pittsburgh so her daughter can receive treatment. She says, “the daily meals are a huge part of our experience here at the Ronald McDonald House.

Having a daily dinner for my daughter and I has been so nice. Just to know that at the end of a long day at the hospital, getting a lifesaving treatment, we don’t have to worry about ordering dinner, cooking dinner, or going grocery shopping. We know that there’s food here available for us.”

Patrick Swartz, Assistant Food Manager & Chef at RMHC loves producing nourishing meals for families in need. “The work that the team is doing touches people in a different kind of way. It’s not like your typical restaurant, your typical hotel where you produce the food and see no reaction. Here, you see the reaction right away. We get that instant gratification from the families on a nightly basis.” Preparing meals for hundreds of families from around the world, Swartz is grateful for the partnership with Philabundance. He says, “Without Philabundance, RMHC would be spending thousands of dollars on food.” Phil Williams, a volunteer at RMHC, says “The food we get from Philabundance is very impactful at the Ronald McDonald House. We rely mostly on volunteer items and getting fresh foods from Philabundance, I don’t think we could do what we do here without it.”

We are very appreciative of the partnership we have with the Ronald McDonald House Charities and for the compassionate work they are doing for families in Philadelphia. People are often faced with the decision to buy food or pay for other necessities such as bills or medicine. Our partnerships help us ensure stability and security within the people we serve. Serving hundreds of families each night, RMHC is helping us drive our mission to end hunger today and eventually- for good.