Food Donations

Kid-Friendly Food Bags

The children who visit Rock House Kids do not always get three meals a day - in fact, some get no meals. When they attend our program, they are sent home with a bag of 10-12 nutritional items that will help sustain them while they are away from our facility.

Items must be individually wrapped and single serving sized

Food must be ready to eat, non-perishable and non-refrigerated

Here are some examples of the food items we like to put in their bags:

Dry cereals (approx. 1 oz. boxes)

Breakfast or nutrition bars

Peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers

Fruit roll ups, fruit snacks, raisins

Pudding cups (non-refrigerated)

Fruit cups (non-refrigerated)

Cookies and crackers-small packs

Capri Sun, juice boxes (non-refrigerated)

Hot Meals

When kids attend our program, they know they will receive a hot meal to fill their tummies, and can go back for seconds if they want more.

Most often, these meals are provided through generous donors - businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals - who want to help make sure no child goes home hungry.

Evening Meal Planning Information

Evening meals are scheduled weeks in advance. To find out what dates are available, contact Kandi Fenton.

815-962-5067

Mail

HOW MUCH FOOD DO I NEED TO PROVIDE?

Our kids come to programming night HUNGRY!

Below are the current counts for the number of meals needed:

Monday & Wednesday – 150 Healthy portions
Tuesday & Thursday – 75 Healthy portions

WHAT FOODS ARE BEST TO FEED THE KIDS?

We strive to provide a protein, vegetable, fruit and dessert for each meal. Drinks are provided by RHK. We can supplement the meal with food from a small supply we keep on hand, including vegetables, fruits, desserts, and condiments, but ask that you try to provide the main part of the meal. Garlic bread or rolls are also appreciated.

Some suggestions:

Tacos with tortilla shells
Pulled pork or chicken on buns
Walking tacos with chips
Fried chicken
Spaghetti with meat sauce
Barbeque/sloppy joes
Breakfast items
Mac n cheese
Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken pot pie
Applesauce, mixed fruit cocktail, diced peaches
Sub sandwiches
Fresh Fruit (Watermelon, grapes, apples)
Chicken and noodles
Corn, green beans, broccoli

Note: Meals must be prepared in a facility approved by the health department. If you do not have access to a facility, we have a list of restaurants and grocery stores we work with that are familiar with providing meals for us, and it is available upon request. We appreciate it if you can deliver the meal if possible. If not, please call us in advance to schedule a pickup.

PREPARING & DELIVERING THE MEAL

Meals must be received by 5:30 PM. We start serving at 5:45 PM. Refrigerated meals with warming instructions can be dropped off during our normal business hours of 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We can supply inserts from our electric roasters or aluminum pans for you to fill and bring back ready to heat and serve if needed.

Please also note the following:

For auditing reasons, we do need an estimated cost of each meal. Our Office Coordinator will reach out prior to your scheduled day to receive this information.
It is helpful for us to know ahead of time what the meal being provided will be. This helps us prep the kitchen for what is needed and lets us know if there are additional items we may need to provide. We will call to confirm a little before the scheduled date.
We never know exactly how many kids are coming each night, we aim high to ensure no child will go hungry. If we have leftovers, they are provided to a church that feeds the homeless.
Regular providers- monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, etc. is crucial and so appreciated. If you are not currently on a consistent schedule, and are able to do so, please reach out to us at 815-962-5067 and talk with Kandi.

SERVING

You do not have to serve the food you provide. We have volunteers who will serve; But, if your group would like to help serve, please let us know, and we will add you to the schedule!