YCAP’s Melt Down Returns for 10th Year, Raising Funds for Food Bank Through February

NEWBERG, Ore. — Yamhill Community Action Partnership’s annual grilled cheese fundraiser, The Melt Down, returns Feb. 1–28, marking its 10th year of supporting the YCAP Food Bank while boosting sales for local restaurants across Yamhill County.

The monthlong event invites community members to purchase specialty grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese-themed menu items from participating restaurants, with proceeds benefiting the YCAP Food Bank. 

Since 2017, more than 80,800 sandwiches have been sold through The Melt Down, raising nearly $209,000 and helping provide more than 522,000 meals to neighbors in need, according to YCAP. The event has also generated an estimated $1.2 million in increased sales for local restaurants.

Several Newberg businesses are participating in this year’s fundraiser, including Barley & Vine Tavern, Balsall Creek Vineyard, Black Bear Diner, Bronco Kelly’s, Chehalem Valley Brewing Co., Cherry Street Bistro, Coffee Cat Coffeehouse, J’s Family Restaurant & Lounge, Jem 100, JORY Restaurant at The Allison Inn & Spa, Kopitos Cocina, Miss Hannah’s Gourmet Popcorn, Old Town Bar & Grill, Social Goods and Storrs Smokehouse. 

YCAP hosts The Melt Down each February as a countywide effort to raise food, funds, and awareness for food insecurity while encouraging residents to support local businesses during the winter months. 

Participating restaurants compete for the title of “The Biggest Cheese,” while customers can take part in social media giveaways and prize drawings throughout the event.

In addition to restaurant participation, local businesses and private individuals host related events throughout the year to benefit YCAP’s programs, which focus on addressing poverty and supporting self-sufficiency in Yamhill County.

YCAP is a nonprofit organization serving Yamhill County with programs focused on food security, housing stability, and emergency assistance.

YCAP is hosting a 10-year kick-off party on January 31, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Golden Valley Brewery in McMinnville. More information about The Melt Down, including participating locations and promotions, is available on the event’s Facebook page.

Newberg-Dundee Melt Down 2026 Menu

Slice Division

Balsall Creek Vineyard

“Fromage Grille”
Our take on a grilled cheese with Gruyere & Cheddar cheese on local artisan bread. Served with tomato soup. Gluten-free available. 

Cherry Street Bistro

“Cherry St. Crunchwrap”
Braised beef, Mozzarella, salsa verde, cabbage slaw, corn tostada, flour tortilla, and sesame seeds. Served w/a side of consommé. Vegan option available with vegan cheese & braised mushrooms upon request.

Duck Pond Cellars

“Fontina and Fire”
A rich and decadent sandwich made with homemade focaccia, layered with Fontina and Manchego cheeses, then melted with a generous smear of locally made mango-pineapple pepper jelly. Served with chips and a pickle. Gluten-free available. 

Jem 100 Ice Cream

“Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Burger”
A perfectly grilled 1/4-pound patty stacked on toasted sourdough bread, topped with crispy bacon, gooey melted Colby Jack cheese, a rich layer of Cream Cheese that melts into the meat, then finished with jalapeños. Gluten-free options available. 

Wedge Division

Barley & Vine Tavern

“The Jammin’ Jerk”
Jamaican jerk chicken, Pimento Cheese, spread, slaw, pineapple, and scotch bonnet jam. Gluten-free available.

Coffee Cat Coffeehouse

“Bacon Blackberry Grilled Cheese”
Blackberry jalapeño jam served with a bacon grilled cheese sandwich, or make it extra cheesy with a cheese bagel & our homemade blackberry jalapeño jam. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available.

Kopitos Cocina

“Sam’s Grilled Cheese”
Jalapeño sourdough, Pepper Jack & Mozzarella, applewood bacon marinated in a peanut salsa & chipotle aioli. Served with a side of fries.

Old Town Bar & Grill

“The Northwest Melt”
A sweet-savory melt of smoked Gouda, White American, crisp apple, and house marionberry jam on buttery grilled sourdough. Optionally, add bacon. Served with soup, salad, fries, or tots.

Storrs Smokehouse

“The Nashville Crunch Melt”
Texas toast, Pepper Jack cheese with smoked and fried chicken skin, tossed in a Nashville hot sauce.

Trellis

“Bar Do Mané”
Thin-sliced mortadella fries, piled high, topped with melted Farmers’ Cheese, and dijonnaise on a bun. Served with house fries.

Wheel Division

Black Bear Diner

“Pot Roast Melt”
Slow-cooked pot roast, grilled onion, Jack & Cheddar cheeses, and horseradish aioli on sourdough bread grilled with Parmesan crust. Served with Au Jus. 

Bronco Kelly’s

“Shrimp Etouffe on Cheesy Grits”
Grilled shrimp in a Creole sauce. Served over Monterey Jack and smoked cheddar cheese grits. 

Chehalem Valley Brewing

“The Gouda Pig”
Parmesan-crusted sourdough bread stuffed with Gouda, fried Queso Americano, and seasoned pulled pork.

J’s Restaurant & Lounge

“Cheezy Turkey Bacon Ranch”
Crusted Parmesan bread, with Cheddar & Pepper Jack cheese, pepper bacon, with lettuce and tomato. Served with a choice of fries or tots. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available.

JORY Restaurant

“The Cheesy Dipper”
Thin-sliced prime rib, fried pickled red onion, Raclette cheese, Fontina cheese, au jus, horseradish aioli on a artisan hoagie.

Social Goods

“Holy Jalapeño”
Toasted sourdough with hot honey Cream Cheese spread, filled with brown sugar-glazed peppered bacon, roasted jalapeño strips, and sliced Cheddar.

Bonus Stop

Miss Hannah’s Gourmet Popcorn

“C2 Explosion Popcorn”
C2 Explosion is our original caramel corn coated in our signature cheesy blend of Orange and White Cheddar cheese.

See the full list and more information at YCAP’s facebook page.