A Sandwich with a Side of Impact
On Wednesday, March 26, Greater Cincinnati residents can do more than satisfy their hunger — they can help fund groundbreaking research for children battling cancer. That’s the spirit behind Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving, a one-day nationwide initiative in which the sandwich chain donates 100% of its sales — not just profits — to charity. Locally, every dollar spent at any of the 31 Jersey Mike’s locations in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will go directly to CancerFree KIDS, a nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research.
This isn’t just a feel-good promotion. It’s a high-impact community initiative with a track record of real, tangible results.
Since the start of Jersey Mike’s partnership with CancerFree KIDS in 2015, the campaign has raised nearly $1.4 million in the Cincinnati area alone. That money has directly funded eight named research grants — and these aren’t symbolic gestures. These grants have already generated:
$12.9 million in follow-on funding
Five published scientific studies
The development of a new FDA-approved drug for neurofibromatosis, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to tumors in children.
In the world of nonprofit giving, that’s a remarkable return on investment — proof that community-powered efforts like this don’t just raise awareness; they move science forward.
While the Day of Giving is a national effort across all Jersey Mike’s locations, its impact is deeply localized in the Cincinnati region. By partnering with a homegrown nonprofit like CancerFree KIDS, the campaign ensures that funds raised here stay here — supporting hospitals, labs, and families in the Tri-State area. It’s a powerful reminder of how national brands can support local missions when they take time to understand the communities they serve.
Throughout March, customers at Cincinnati-area locations have been invited to “round up” their purchases or donate $1, $3, or $5 — culminating in the big push on March 26. But it’s the Day of Giving that provides the single largest infusion of funds. Every sandwich, chip, and cookie purchased on that day becomes part of something much bigger.
With interviews and live coverage available throughout the day, March 26 presents a unique opportunity to both showcase community generosity and elevate the conversation about pediatric cancer. CancerFree KIDS, based in Loveland, OH, has long fought for increased funding for childhood cancer research — a segment of medical research that receives a surprisingly small portion of federal funding despite its devastating impact.
The visibility of Jersey Mike’s campaign helps change that. It puts the spotlight on kids who need better treatment options and gives researchers the resources to pursue innovative cures.
There’s something especially powerful about turning an everyday action — like grabbing lunch — into a force for good. Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving proves that corporate social responsibility doesn’t have to be abstract or impersonal. It can be deliciously simple: buy a sandwich, help save a life.
In a time when consumers are increasingly looking to support businesses that share their values, efforts like this stand out. They show that companies can be both profitable and principled — and that community support is a two-way street.
So whether you’re a Jersey Mike’s regular or someone just looking for a meaningful way to give back, Wednesday, March 26 is the day to show up. Invite coworkers. Bring your family. Order online. Know that every dollar you spend is doing real work in the fight against childhood cancer.
Because when a sandwich can lead to a scientific breakthrough, that's a bite worth taking.