Cook + Connect
A meaningful way to connect while supporting families in need
A meaningful way to connect while supporting families in need
Cook + Connect is a group volunteering opportunity that’s just as popular as Meals from the Heart, only during the day!
Connect with your colleagues, friends, or family while cooking and packing nourishing meals in bulk. These meals are ready for families to grab and reheat when they need sustenance and comfort between hospital visits, long nights, and moments of uncertainty.
Not only will you share a memorable experience and learn new skills; you’ll be providing immediate, practical support to families when they need it most.
When families are constantly in and out of the hospital for treatments and appointments, mealtimes often fall to the bottom of the priority list. By stocking our family fridges with ready-to-go, home-style meals, you’re offering more than just nourishment—you’re easing the emotional and mental load that comes with caring for a sick or injured child.
It’s one less thing for families to worry about, and one more way they feel supported.
"In the hard days when we didn't want to cook, there were pre-made meals in the family fridges. These helped us immensely, as I stay at hospital a lot with our son."
6 to 10 people (aged 12+)*
Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
$1,650 (covers the cost of ingredients and support from a professional chef and staff)
Nutritious, home-cooked dishes that can be frozen and enjoyed by families at a later time
Corporate and community groups, clubs and teams, family and friend groups
* Children over the age of 12 are welcome to participate, but we require a 1:1 ratio of child to adult for safety purposes. We thank you for your understanding.
Your Cook + Connect experience will begin with a warm welcome and a guided tour of the Westmead House. After your cooking session, your group will have the opportunity to share a meal with families—a chance to connect, reflect, and see the impact of your generosity firsthand.
Our meal programs are only possible because of the generosity of organisations and groups. Your involvement directly helps us continue providing comfort, care, and practical support to families during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
The booking fee is a tax-deductible donation that will help us achieve our ambitious goal of increasing our meal services by 70%. This will allow us to provide at least one nutritious meal per day, not only to families staying at the House, but throughout the entire Westmead Health Precinct.
Simply register by selecting your preferred date via the calendar below and we will be in touch. For more information, call 02 9806 7111, email [email protected] or download the Cook + Connect Program Overview.
If your group has participated in the Cook + Connect group volunteering program, we’d love to hear from you! Your feedback will help us improve our programs, enabling us to better support families. You can share your experience by leaving a Google Review or filling in the form below.
Do you have a question, feedback, or other partnership ideas to share?