As the nation faces another period of uncertainty brought on by the federal government shutdown, a local Grants Pass restaurant is taking action to make sure no child in the community goes hungry. The Mixed Grill, located along Rogue River Highway, has announced that beginning November 1 and continuing for the duration of the shutdown, it will provide free meals to children every Wednesday through Sunday.
The restaurant’s initiative is simple and heartfelt. Each child visiting The Mixed Grill can choose between two classic comfort meals: a grilled cheese sandwich with French fries or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with French fries. Both options are completely free, offered as a way to ease the financial strain many families face during the disruption in federal operations that may delay paychecks or benefits for workers.
For The Mixed Grill, this effort is not about publicity but about compassion. The small business has built its reputation on being a friendly, community-centered eatery that supports local families. With many households across southern Oregon feeling the effects of the shutdown, the owners and staff wanted to provide some relief in the form of a hot meal and a welcoming place for families to gather. They made it clear that no paperwork or proof of need will be required. The offer is based entirely on trust, kindness, and the understanding that hard times can touch anyone.
The restaurant’s staff has prepared for an increase in visitors and plans to keep the program going for as long as the shutdown continues. By opening its doors to families regardless of circumstance, The Mixed Grill demonstrates how local businesses can step in to fill gaps during national crises. The restaurant’s leadership expressed that while they may be a small operation, their sense of responsibility to their neighbors is enormous. They hope that other local establishments might be inspired to follow suit in some capacity, whether by offering food, supplies, or simple acts of support.
For parents and guardians, the process is straightforward. Families can stop by The Mixed Grill between Wednesday and Sunday to receive a free meal for their children. The restaurant sits conveniently at 225 Rogue River Highway in Grants Pass, where it will continue its normal hours of operation while maintaining this special program.
While the duration of the government shutdown remains uncertain, The Mixed Grill’s commitment is clear. At a time when federal indecision has left many Americans in limbo, this local restaurant is providing a measure of stability the old-fashioned way—through generosity, hospitality, and community spirit. For families struggling to make ends meet, it’s more than just a free meal. It’s a reminder that even when Washington stalls, kindness in small-town Oregon continues to move forward.