Sometimes, a sandwich can be more than lunch—it can be a lifeline.

Since opening its doors in January at Stone Road Mall, Jersey Mike’s Subs has made it clear: giving back is on the menu. Partnering with the Children’s Foundation of Guelph & Wellington, the restaurant is using March not just as a celebration of subs, but as a Month of Giving—a company-wide initiative aimed at making a real difference in local communities.

“When we opened the new store, we chose the Children’s Foundation to give back to,” said Stephen Scarrow, Senior Marketing Manager at Jersey Mike’s. “March is the Month of Giving, which runs across all Jersey Mike’s locations in North America.”

Locally, funds raised will support the Keep Kids Fed At Home program—an essential initiative that ensures kids have nutritious food to take home on weekends, when school meals aren’t available.

How does it work? It’s simple and community-powered. When you’re at Jersey Mike’s, you’re invited to donate $1, $3, or $5—and in return, you receive a “bounce back” coupon for a future visit.

• $1 earns you $1 off next time.

• $3 gets you free chips and a drink.

• $5? You’re walking out with a Buy One, Get One Free sub coupon.

And, yes—the $5 donations are flying out the door.

“When people are asked if they want to donate $5 and get a free sub next time, they’re saying, ‘heck yeah!’” said Scarrow.

But the generosity doesn’t stop there.

On Wednesday, March 26, the campaign reaches its peak with Jersey Mike’s Annual Day of Giving. On that day, 100% of every dollar spent—every penny—goes directly to the Children’s Foundation. Not just profits. Every sandwich, every soda, every cookie. All of it.

Scarrow is hoping the entire community turns up. “We’d love to see everyone grab their lunch or dinner with us on the 26th. It’s a small action that adds up to a big impact.”

The connection between the sub shop and the foundation goes beyond donations. On March 20, team members from Jersey Mike’s rolled up their sleeves to help pack food bags for local kids. Their energy and enthusiasm helped the Children’s Foundation hit a major milestone: 10,000 weekend food bags packed and delivered since September.

“It was incredible,” said Brittany Skelton, Program Manager at the Children’s Foundation. “The team helped us bag everything in record time.”

The Keep Kids Fed At Home program—formerly known as Food for Kids—was recently integrated under the Foundation’s umbrella. It works alongside their in-school food support program, but Skelton emphasizes the unique importance of the weekend bags.

“We’re feeding 515 kids weekly in Guelph with these bags,” she said. “They’re kid-friendly and easy to use. We know they’re making a difference.”

As for Jersey Mike’s? They’re just getting started.

“We’re not just here to serve subs,” Scarrow said. “We’re here to be part of the community. And right now, that means helping make sure kids don’t go hungry when school’s out.”