Meal prep is essential for preserving time and staying in a routine. For our families, that time could be spent with their child undergoing treatment in the hospital or maintaining a care schedule without having to be interrupted. 

“Serving good people and doing good work”- Stuart “Stu” Rowland, Owner of Clean Cookin’ comments about making a difference because it’s the right thing to do. Thanks to the team at Clean Cookin’, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma is able to provide healthy prepared meals to families. 

Stu started Clean Cookin working as mechanic that decided to change his health by meal prepping healthy meals. As he began to change his eating habits, he was able to offer his help to close friends and family. This eventually lead to him preparing clean meals throughout Arkansas, offering 16 meal options that include smoked meats, veggies, and smart carbohydrates. Clean Cookin’ provides approximately 3,000 meals daily through their five local locations; Van Buren, Fort Smith, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Springdale, and soon Greenwood, AR. 

Stu became connect with Ronald McDonald House Charities after his nephew used RMHC while having treatment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He believes “families need to be with their children” and has donated meals to RMHC of Arkoma to ensure that happens. This partnership has supported RMHC of Arkoma’s mission to “create, find and support programs that improve the health and well-being of children” which has been vital in this crucial time amidst COVID-19. 

The dynamic of the hospitals to maintain safe guidelines for their patients has limited the travel and visits for parents. Through many donors, like Clean Cookin’, RMHC of Arkoma has been able to implement and operate a Hospitality Cart that caters to family needs such as meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), snacks, and toiletry items. Through the Hospitality Cart, almost 2,000 meals have been delivered to families in the NICU and Pediatric departments.