Second Annual Great Gorge Melt: Grilled Cheese & Quesadillas for a Cause
From Columbia Gorge Food Bank
By Leah Hall
The Dalles, OR Jan. 9, 2025 — This March, Columbia Gorge Food Bank invites local restaurants to join the second annual Great Gorge Melt — an opportunity to make a real difference in the movement against hunger across Wasco, Hood River and Sherman Counties. Last year, Columbia Gorge Food Bank saw 83,100 visits to food assistance sites through our service area. We are seeing record numbers of visits. By joining, restaurants become key partners in fighting hunger and demonstrating the power of community action.
We’re inviting restaurants in the region to participate by offering their own twist on a grilled cheese sandwich or quesadilla. Throughout March, when you purchase one of these dishes at participating restaurants, a portion of the proceeds will go directly to Columbia Gorge Food Bank to support hunger relief efforts in the Gorge.
“By supporting your local restaurant, you’re also supporting a great cause,” said Leah Hall, Community Philanthropy Manager for Columbia Gorge Food Bank. “After last year’s success, we’re excited to partner with local restaurants again to help both our community and the fight against hunger.”
The Great Gorge Melt is a chance for restaurants and diners to join forces in supporting those in need across our region. Participating restaurants will receive promotional support, including social media features, and recognition on Columbia Gorge Food Bank’s website and event materials. Plus, you’ll attract diners eager to support local businesses and give back to their community.
Columbia Gorge Food Bank works with over 40 food pantries, meal sites and delivery programs across The Gorge, ensuring that thousands of individuals and families have access to nourishing food. In the inaugural year of the Great Gorge Melt, the event raised funds and awareness to support these efforts.
Join us now to take action against hunger and highlight your restaurant's role in strengthening our community. Whether you’re serving up a classic grilled cheese, a bold quesadilla, or a creative twist on these beloved comfort foods, we want you on board!
To sign up or learn more about how your restaurant can participate, contact Leah Hall at 541-490-4595 or email lhall@columbiagorgefoodbank.org.
Together, we can make an impact in the fight against hunger. Join us for the Great Gorge Melt this March and help provide hope and nourishment to those who need it most.
2024 Participating restaurants included:
The Balch Hotel (Dufur)
Bargeway Pub (The Dalles)
Rivertap (The Dalles)
Spooky’s restaurant (The Dalles)
Zim’s Sports Bar & Grill (The Dalles)
Cousins’ Restaurant and Saloon (The Dalles)
https://cousinsrestaurants.com/
Pine Street Bakery (Hood River)
https://www.pinestreetbakery.com/
Ferment Brewing Company (Hood River)
Double Mountain Brewery (Hood River)
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ABOUT Columbia Gorge Food Bank
Columbia Gorge Food Bank is a Regional Food Bank, directly supporting hunger relief efforts in Sherman, Wasco, and Hood River Counties. We are a member of the Oregon Food Bank Network, connecting statewide food resources to our local community of pantries and partners. At Columbia Gorge Food Bank, we hold people experiencing hunger and food insecurity at the center of our actions and decisions. We envision a community where each person can participate, prosper and have access to food that is both nourishing and culturally relevant. Our food distribution programs aim to build a society where everyone can thrive – celebrating our differences and working together to overcome injustices that might divide us …because no one should be hungry.
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