Our Meals from the Heart program is perhaps the most mutually beneficial activity we offer.
One of the most meaningful ways to serve at Family House is by sharing a meal. Volunteer groups can prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a weekend brunch—offering not just food, but comfort, connection, and a sense of home during a difficult time.
Whether you cook onsite or bring in a prepared meal, your kindness fills more than plates—it fills hearts. While dinner is typically served around 6:00pm, we welcome meals at any time of day to meet the needs of our guests.
Sign up for a meal!
It’ll make a world of difference for our guests
Time and People
Plan to arrive at the House at least one hour in advance to begin preparing for the meal. House Meals are served cafeteria-style and usually conclude after an hour. Meal groups typically consist of 4-15 people, participants may include youth that are supervised by an adult.
Usual/Ideal Times and Amounts
Breakfast 8:00-9:00 AM, serve ~30-40 guests
Brunch, serve ~30-40 guests
Lunch 12:00-1:00 PM, serve ~30-40 guests
Dinner (during week) 6:00-7:00 PM, serve ~60-80 guests
Dinner (during weekend) 6:00-7:00 PM, serve ~30-40 guests
Additional Resources
FAQ
Family House staff are available to advise you throughout the meal planning process. Each team should have a leader who will:
- Contact the Volunteer Office to check and reserve meal dates
- Schedule a visit to familiarize yourself with kitchen equipment and layout
- Ensure all members of your group follow Family House policies and volunteer registration process
- Oversee advance planning, preparation, serving and clean-up on the day of the meal
Volunteer teams provide a complete buffet-style meal (main dish, sides, and dessert) and any beverages other than water.
You do not need to bring plates, utensils, napkins, or cups. Coffee is available at breakfast by advance arrangement. Cleaning supplies and disposable gloves are provided.
Pots, pans, utensils, serving dishes, food handling gloves, silverware, napkins, etc. are provided by the House. Our kitchen is adequately equipped with 4 ovens, 2 stoves/cooktops, 3 microwaves, 3 coffee makers, 4 dishwashers, 4 sinks, and plenty of counter space. Check out this video that give you a tour of our kitchen and then return to view our other FAQ’s.
This is not required, but please be prepared to answer any questions about ingredients used.
Menu items should be easily packaged, labelled and stored in the Community Refrigerator, and reheated. Family House guests often arrive after a long day of appointments or travel, so be assured that leftovers will not go to waste.
Meals can be as simple or involved as you prefer. Meals as simple as pizza and salad, or as exciting as a variety of entrees are welcomed. Here are some popular favorites, but you are only limited by your imagination.
- Taco Bar with all the fixin’s
- Rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and rolls
- Lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and bread
- Soups and stew, rice, fruit salad, rolls
- Chicken pot pie, rolls, and dessert
- Ham and sides
Please click the link below to see the current open dates for scheduling your meal:
If for any reason you are unable to make your scheduled meal, we ask that you call to cancel. If anyone in your group is not feeling well or is sick, they should stay home because many of our patients have suppressed immune systems.
Bennett Kitchens, Volunteer Services Assistant
Call 919-932-8017 or email bennett@secufh.org
Volunteer Services Assistant
Bennett Kitchens
For questions or suggestions, or to be added to the volunteer calendar and registered as a Family House meal provider, please contact Bennett Kitchens.
bennett@secufh.org
919-931-8017 (Work)
804-854-5035 (Cell)
Volunteer Services Director
Georgie Clemens
To learn more about and sign up for group service opportunities, contact Georgie at georgie@secufh.org