Cheese & Thank You Campaign Returns to Douglas County, Serving Up Comfort Food for a Cause

A month-long fundraiser that blends local flavor with community impact is returning to Douglas County, and this year’s lineup is packed with some of the cheesiest creations around.

United Community Action Network (UCAN) and the UCAN Food Bank are launching the 2026 Cheese & Thank You campaign, a community-wide effort that invites residents to support local restaurants while helping fight hunger. Throughout March, participating restaurants across Roseburg, Sutherlin, Glide, Myrtle Creek and beyond will feature special “cheesy” menu items. For every featured item sold, $2 will be donated directly to the UCAN Food Bank.

According to organizers, every dollar donated helps provide roughly three meals to neighbors in need — meaning a single grilled cheese or mac-and-cheese purchase can make a meaningful difference for local families.

Kickoff Event Planned Feb. 28

The campaign officially kicks off Saturday, Feb. 28, with a public event at Columbia Bank, 445 SE Main St. in Roseburg, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community members are invited to stop by for a free grilled cheese sandwich, pick up a Cheese & Thank You passport, and learn more about participating restaurants. Guests can collect stamps throughout March by trying featured menu items; every five stamps earns an entry into a drawing for restaurant gift cards.

Food and cash donations for the UCAN Food Bank will also be accepted during the kickoff.

Restaurants Across the County Participating

Nineteen local restaurants are taking part in this year’s campaign, each offering a creative spin on comfort food classics. Participating locations include Brix Grill, Little Brothers Pub, Granny’s Mini Hut, Jackson Street Provisions, The Friendly Kitchen, Backside Brewing Co., The Atom Bistro & Coffee Shop, Workman’s Bar and Smokehouse, Creekside Gas & Grill, The FarmStand by Lehne Farms and many more.

Menu items range from elevated grilled cheeses and mac-and-cheese dishes to plant-based options, cinnamon rolls, burritos and rotating weekly specials — all designed to encourage residents to explore local dining while supporting a shared cause.

Organizers say the campaign highlights the power of community partnerships. Columbia Bank is serving as the campaign sponsor, and KMTR is the media sponsor helping spread the word throughout the region.

Supporting Local While Helping Neighbors

The Cheese & Thank You campaign has become a staple community fundraiser, combining support for local businesses with direct relief for families experiencing food insecurity. By choosing a participating menu item, residents can help ensure more meals reach local households through the UCAN Food Bank.

Community members are encouraged to attend the kickoff event, grab a passport and spend March sampling featured dishes across Douglas County.

As organizers put it: supporting local has never tasted so good — and every bite helps feed a neighbor.