United Way of 1000 Lakes’ Dining United campaign is back this fall, offering community members a delicious way to give back. From October through November 20th, restaurants across the Itasca area will donate a portion of proceeds from featured menu items to support local programs that help hardworking families—known as ALICE households—build stability and thrive.

Now in its 13th year, Dining United celebrates the power of local partnerships to make a difference—one meal at a time. The 2025 lineup features both returning favorites and exciting new participants joining the cause.

New this year are Dragonfly Coffee by ILO, Ledger & Ladle, The Tied, and Lady Sippers, who join a roster of longtime supporters like Zorbaz on Pokegama Lake, Smoke on the Water, Pickled Loon Saloon, Country Kitchen, and Mad Dog’s Pizza, among others.

“Dining United is about more than great food—it’s about community,” said Kimberly Brink Smith, Executive Director of United Way of 1000 Lakes. “Each meal shared through this campaign helps our neighbors move from surviving to thriving.”

Proceeds from Dining United support programs that address the most pressing challenges faced by ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—households. In Itasca County, 40% of residents live below the ALICE threshold, including 13% of households living in poverty and nearly 27% who qualify as ALICE, meaning they earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford essentials like housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare.

As part of the campaign, United Way and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce are partnering to bring this reality to life through Impossible Choices: An ALICE Simulation, held during the Chamber’s October 20th luncheon at Timberlake Restaurant (144 SE 17th Street, Grand Rapids). The interactive experience invites participants to step into the shoes of ALICE families, fostering understanding and inspiring action. The buffet opens at 11:45 a.m., followed by the program at noon. Tickets are $15 for Chamber members and $20 for nonmembers.

2025 Dining United Restaurants

• Brewed Awakenings: Will donate 10% of muffin sales in October
• Country Kitchen: Will donate $1 from every appetizer order
• Culver’s: Will donate $1 for every onion ring order
• Dragonfly Coffee by ILO: Will donate 10% off fall drinks
• Forest Lake Restaurant: Will donate $1 from every appetizer order
• Hotel Rapids & HR Bar: Will donate $1 for every crepe order
• Klockow Brewing Company: Will donate $1 for every pint order
• Lady Sippers: Give back, get back offer
• Ledger & Ladle: Will donate $1 from dessert order & $1 per glass of select wines
• Pickled Loon Saloon: Will donate $1 from every every Larson’s Famous Enchiladas, Beer Battered Cauliflower, and Bang Bang Shrimp order
• Rapids Brewing Co: Will $1 on each soup and sourdough order
• Ravenstone Abbey: Will donate $1 from every The French Dip order
• Sammy’s Pizza: Will donate $2 from every family size pizza
• Smoke on the Water: Will donate $1 from every burger or sandwich
• Spartan Deli: Will donate $1 from every classic protein bowl
• The Dutch Room: Will donate $1 from every large pizza
• The Tied: $1 donation on every “dining united shot”
• Timberlake Restaurant: Will donate $2 per glass of house wine
• Timberwolf Inn & Restaurant: Will donate $1 from every lunch sandwich order
• Zorbaz on Pokegama Lake: Will donate $1 for every large specialty pizza

Since its launch in 2012, Dining United has raised more than $57,000 to strengthen the Itasca-area community through United Way’s initiatives and local nonprofit programs focused on education, health, financial stability, and community resilience.

“We live in such a fabulous community,” said Tia Starks, owner of Smoke on the Water. “Dining United is a great way to discover local businesses while giving back to our neighbors.”

Community members can explore the full restaurant lineup, view an interactive dining map, and learn more about ALICE at uwlakes.org/dining-united

Support the campaign by dining out, donating, volunteering, or advocating.
To support ALICE households, call 218-999-7570, visit uwlakes.org/ways-to-give, or mail/drop off a check at United Way of 1000 Lakes, 350 NW 1st Ave., Suite A, Grand Rapids, MN 55744. Please note “ALICE” in the memo line.