Augie’s Lunches with Love relaunches with high-quality, easily accessible foods for families

November 18th, 2021 | News

We are excited to announce the relaunch of Augie’s Lunches with Love which now offers higher-quality, easily accessible foods to even more families. Augie’s Lunches with Love is jointly offered by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison (RMHC-Madison) and UW Health Kids at American Family Children’s Hospital (AFCH), providing lunches to parents with children staying at AFCH, along with families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. In March 2020, this successful program was suspended during the pandemic due to hospital restrictions, and associated safety concerns for the volunteers who make and deliver these lunches.

As we relaunch Augie’s Lunches with Love, we have improved the program by increasing the variety of healthy, portable food choices, offering a sandwich, fresh fruit, vegetables, and nutritious sides; and making the program more accessible to those who need it most. Lunches will continue to be prepared and delivered with love by volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House in Madison.

Augie’s Lunches with Love is named after a vibrant little boy from Dane County, who radiates joy to those around him. Augie has down syndrome, a congenital heart defect, and Hirschsprung’s disease and he and his family are no strangers to AFCH and the incredible care they provide. While Augie endured multiple surgeries, his family stayed with RMHC-Madison to remain close to their son. After they returned home, Augie’s family felt they needed to give back in a bigger way. They reflected on the needs of families going through these unimaginably difficult times and realized easily accessible, healthy, and affordable food was a priority.

“While Augie requires a couple of extra doctor appointments here and there, often at AFCH, his health is great, and he is an incredible blessing to our family. We know that extended time in the hospital can be difficult. We wanted to offer our support and encouragement to families, and we hope this lunch provides a bright spot in their day,” said Melissa Shutwell.