We invite to join one of the most popular volunteer group activities here at our House! Serve a delicious, home-cooked meal for our families while creating unforgettable memories for your group and our families!

Through our Meal Makers program, local volunteer groups work alongside our Culinary Director, Chef Vernetta to plan, prepare and serve a delicious meal to critically ill children and their families staying at our House. If you enjoy cooking with friends, sharing recipes and providing a delicious meal for others to enjoy, this is the perfect volunteer activity for you!

Our Chef Vernetta is happy to guide you every step of the way as you plan your meal and shop for ingredients. Or, if you’d like, Chef Vernetta can personally do the shopping for you – we simply ask for a minimum $350 donation to cover food needs.

Meet our Culinary Director,  Chef Vernetta

Chef Vernetta’s love for food is evident through her successful, 12 years+ career in culinary. Not only is Chef Vernetta a decorated Chef, she is also a community advocate with a heart to help others.

Chef Vernetta graduated from culinary school in 2008 with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Management and an Associate’s Degree in Restaurant Management. She graduated on the President’s List and became Certified with the American Culinary Federation(ACF).

Chef Vernetta’s career led her to the Triple AAA and Four Diamond Amelia Island Plantation in Amelia Island, FL, where she provided culinary services in all dining venues within the resort. Chef Vernetta also worked as Executive Sous Chef with Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, a Triple AAA Five Diamond resort, which allowed her to continually hone her craft.

Chef Vernetta is currently the Culinary Director here at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville where she works directly with meal volunteers. Her role includes meal preparation for guest, scheduling meal volunteer groups, menu planning, nutrition planned and food safety and sanitation training.

Chef Vernetta has been featured in several publications including Edible Magazine, The Buzz, Florida Times Union, Healthy Living, Food, and Southern Living.

Feel free to reach out to Chef Vernetta to learn how you can join our Meal Makers volunteer program or provide other support to our Meal Program. Chef Vernetta can be reached at vstewart@rmhcjax.org or 904-807-4663 Ext. 661

Getting Started

Volunteer groups with up to (4) individuals, ages 18 and older are invited to work alongside Chef Vernetta is our state-of-the-art commercial Volunteer Kitchen. Teen volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. When preparing a weeknight dinner, groups should plan a meal for up to 75 people. On weekends, groups should plan a meal for approximately 50 people.

Lunch and Dinner slots are available! Contact Chef Vernetta to sign-up!

Other Ways You Can Help

•  Sponsor a Family Meal (Minimum donation: $350)

•  Work closely with Chef Vernetta to arrange a Meal Delivery to our House

• Provide a grocery Gift Card towards our families’ meals

•  Stock our Pantry by organizing a community drive to collect our most needed pantry items

See What Our Volunteers Are Saying About Their Experience!

Schedule Your Meal Today!

Click HERE to sign-up you group and begin making meals and memories in our kitchen!