Cargill and Hunan Ronald McDonald House join forces to improve nutrition for local families 

HUNAN – Following winning the award of Ronald McDonald House (“RMH”) “Company with Philanthropic Responsibility” on the two-year anniversary of the establishment of Hunan Ronald McDonald House (RMH Hunan) in mainland China, Cargill joined the organization to host a ‘Meal of Love’ charity event for children and families. This was accompanied by Cargill’s launch of a ‘Recipes of Love’ to improve nutrition for children receiving care.

As part of the event at RMH Hunan, a nutrition expert shared knowledge and tips on a healthy diet for children receiving medical treatment. Professional chefs from Cargill’ innovation center in Shanghai, who have experience in 5-star hotels, prepared a buffet for the children and their families on site.

Ronald McDonald House is one of the core charity projects under Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) operating globally, serving families who must travel far from home. The house is much more than a room to stay: it provides comfort, support and resources for families with sick children just steps from the hospitals.

The first RMH location in Mainland China, RMH Hunan, receives children mainly from Hunan Children’s Hospital who are ill with hematological and orthopedic conditions. These illnesses demand a higher quality and specific nutritional balance for effective recovery. To help with this, Cargill has developed a collection of ‘Recipes of Love’ under the careful instruction of nutrition and Cargill Innovation Center experts in Shanghai, providing parents with reliable instructions on a healthy diet for their children.

Ms. He Li, an expert with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, noted: “A healthy and balanced diet is crucial for sick children. Cargill’s ‘Recipes of Love’ will help boost nutrition and improve sick children’s immune systems. Besides this, all the dishes recommended by the recipe are easy to make, which can save caregivers both time and energy.”

To support the RMH Hunan, Cargill also pledged to donate products to help provide a part of the meals provided for children receiving care and reduce some of the economic pressure for their families. “We aim to be a leader in nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. With our expertise in agriculture, food and nutrition, we hope to improve nutrition for all children and their families.” Said Liu Yanyan, Insight and Innovative Director of Cargill Animal Protein in China.

“We are grateful to Cargill for its support of these families with sick children,” Cherry Zhao, Co-chair of Ronald McDonald House Charity China commented. “Through Cargill’s support, we are able to greatly expand our impact. We hope to see more and more people and organizations join us to make this an even better Ronald McDonald House."

In recent years, Cargill has committed to children's nutrition and welfare through a series of corporate responsibility practices. On World Food Day 2016 and 2017, the organization helped a combined total of nearly 1,000 students to receive better nutrition through donations and charity events.