McCain Foods is teaming up with Homestead Co-op to host a Free Fry Day today to help families with sick children across the Central Plains.

McCain Foods Plant Manager, Dean Melnic says they've been helping Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba for two decades.

"Well, they support families and support families within Winnipeg, but also within our rural communities and that's where we do business," says Melnic. "That's where we we have our facilities. Our people are from rural communities. It's just something that we completely believe in being a part of."

Melnic says RMHC's mission of continuing to keep families together during childhood illness and injury is easy to get on board with.

"Currently, right now, they've got a 14-bedroom house in Winnipeg on Bannatyne Street, and they are currently expanding to 40 bedrooms and just the thought of families being turned away in time to need," says Melnic. "This is a great way for us to continue the support for Ronald McDonald House, here in Manitoba."

Free Fry Day will be a drive-thru event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 19th in the Portage la Prairie Mall parking lot. Each vehicle will receive two bags of McCain Foods product through contactless curbside pickup. Donations will be accepted and there will also be a 50/50 draw in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba.