Meal Program Guidelines
Our families appreciate waking up to or coming back to a home-cooked meal. These guidelines will help ensure that your group provides a meal that is both comforting and delicious!
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Our kitchen accommodates 6-8 people comfortably. If your group has more volunteers than that, please contact Family House ahead of time and let us know.
Minors under 18 are welcome to participate with adult supervision.
Any group member that has been feeling ill within the past 24 hours should refrain from volunteering that day.
FOOD PREPARATION
ALL meal preparation (chopping vegetables, defrosting meats, mixing ingredients, etc.) must be done at Family House. Exceptions include food that has been prepared in a commercial kitchen (premade items from a grocery store, items from a catering establishment). The food must be unopened when delivered to Family House.
Please know the ingredients in the meal that your group provides. Some guests may have allergies and ask about the meal before eating.
FOOD PLANNING
Please share with Family House staff the meal you will be providing, so we can let our guests know what will be served.
Plan to prepare food for 25-30 people. Our number of guests changes daily, please call us 24-48 hours ahead to confirm your menu and get a better estimate of how much food to prepare.
Meals should be balanced; consider including an entrée, a starch, a vegetable/green salad, fresh fruit, bread/rolls, dessert, and a drink.
Bring all the food items that you will need to make your meal, including any special spices you would like to use. We have cooking/serving utensils, pots, pans, bakeware, etc. at our house. Your group is welcome to bring any personal kitchen items to use for the meal.
THE KITCHEN
Our kitchen has two ovens, two microwaves, three communal refrigerators, and plenty of counter space! Other items that can be found in our kitchen are:
Ice machine
Toaster
Electric kettle
Roaster Oven
Crockpot
Blender
Waffle Iron
Coffee Maker
Carving Knife
Pressure Cooker
Hand Mixer
Food Processor
Charcoal Grill (Located on our patio)
FOOD SERVING
Breakfast is generally served any time from 7:00 am – 9:00 a.m.
Dinner is generally served any time from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Please let us know what time you will be ready to serve and plan accordingly as to how much time you will need to prepare for your meal.
Upon arrival, check-in at the front desk.
Personal items such as coats and purses can be stored in our office.
Make sure to keep cold foods (milk, eggs, butter, etc.), cold by putting them in the refrigerator when you first arrive.
Please use proper handwashing techniques.
Long hair is to be tied back.
Meals are served buffet style.
Please know that not all guests will be available to eat at the designated meal times. Rest assured, your food will be eaten and it will be appreciated!
CLEANUP & DEPARTURE
We ask that your group assist with all clean-up before departure.
Wipe counters and any other surfaces that were used with an antibacterial wipe or hot, soapy water
Empty the trash and replace it with a new trash bag
Wash utensils, pots, pans, etc. in the sink or the dishwasher
Inform the front desk that your group is leaving and collect your belongings Special Notes
Photos of your group are welcome at Family House. However, please do not take any photos with our guests.
Please do not share any information about our guests. This includes posting on social media or any other website.