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At Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), a simple idea blossomed into a powerful symbol of unity and healing: a community-created coffee table book filled with recipes, stories, and artwork from caregivers around the world. Led by Angelica, our Wellness Manager, the project began as a way for caregivers—many far from home and facing difficult medical journeys with their children—to reconnect with their cultural traditions and sense of purpose.
The heart of the project was the kitchen, where caregivers gathered to cook meals from their home countries, forming bonds through shared laughter, ingredients, and memories. Recipes like Ali’s Lamb Machboos from Kuwait, Daniela’s Venezuelan arepas, and the Caribbean classic Sancocho became more than meals—they were acts of love, storytelling, and cultural exchange. Some caregivers who didn’t cook contributed through painting, photography, and design, adding visual expressions of home and heritage.
Despite language barriers, the caregivers found connection through food and creativity. Angelica’s efforts brought these diverse families together during a time of lingering isolation post-pandemic, offering comfort, community, and healing. The final book, printed in September 2023, captured not only recipes but the resilience and warmth of caregivers supporting one another.
With 40% of RMH-NY families coming from international backgrounds, the House continues to foster inclusivity through culturally relevant programming, multilingual support, and a renewed emphasis on community-building. Encouraged by the success of the cookbook, families are already imagining future editions, ensuring that this recipe for connection continues to nourish hearts and homes for years to come.
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