There are plenty of ways to measure a community. You can look at economic growth, new construction, tourism numbers, or business openings. But sometimes the true character of a place shows up in something much simpler, something warm, golden, and served on a plate with purpose.
March in Josephine County has become synonymous with melted cheese and meaningful impact. Say Cheese Month, organized in support of the Josephine County Food Bank, transforms an everyday comfort food into a month-long community fundraiser. Participating restaurants across Grants Pass and throughout the county feature specialty grilled cheese creations, donating a portion of proceeds from each sandwich sold directly to the food bank’s efforts to combat hunger locally.
The concept is straightforward. Local eateries craft their own take on the classic grilled cheese, from traditional American on white bread to inventive combinations featuring artisan cheeses, house-made sauces, and creative add-ons. For every featured sandwich purchased, funds are directed to the Josephine County Food Bank, which serves thousands of residents each month through food distribution programs, partnerships, and emergency assistance.
Food insecurity is not an abstract issue. It exists here, in our neighborhoods, in our schools, and sometimes just down the block from our favorite lunch counter. Rising grocery costs, housing pressures, and economic uncertainty have placed additional strain on families throughout Southern Oregon. The Josephine County Food Bank plays a vital role in stabilizing that strain, ensuring that children, seniors, veterans, and working families have access to nutritious food when they need it most.
This year, the Grants Pass Tribune is proud to support Say Cheese Month in a way that blends civic engagement with culinary exploration. Local food critic Nik Martin will be out and about throughout March, visiting participating restaurants and sampling their featured grilled cheese creations. His first stop, Eddie’s Burgers, officially kicks off what promises to be a busy and flavorful schedule.
If all goes according to plan, there could be as many as 30 reviews before the month concludes. That is no small undertaking. From classic drive-ins to family cafés and independent kitchens, Nik will be putting in the work, tasting, evaluating, and sharing the experience with readers who may be wondering where to spend their lunch hour next.
This effort is about more than ranking sandwiches. It is about highlighting the businesses that step forward to give back. It is about encouraging readers to participate, to try something new, and to understand that even a simple meal can carry a larger purpose. When you order a grilled cheese during Say Cheese Month, you are not just satisfying a craving. You are helping stock pantry shelves.
Community partnerships like this reflect what makes Josephine County unique. Local restaurants, nonprofit organizations, and residents working together create momentum that no single entity could achieve alone. A sandwich becomes a symbol. A lunch break becomes a contribution.
We will do our part by telling the story, showcasing the food, and celebrating the businesses that show up for their neighbors. We invite you to follow along with Nik’s journey, try a few sandwiches yourself, and support an initiative that proves generosity can be both practical and delicious.
In Josephine County, sometimes the most powerful way to make a difference is simply to say cheese.