Somehow, as we’ve been trying to readjust to this chaotic new normal and keep track of what day it is, April turned into May. This means another month of quarantine is over—and so is National Grilled Cheese month. But since we need comfort food now more than ever, we’re encouraging you to keep that celebration going by looking back on 2018’s Grilled Cheese Recipe Showdown and trying your hand at some of those gourmet melts at home.
In other cheese news:
- We’ve published two more articles covering the pandemic’s impact on the cheese world since our last IQYMI roundup. Read our latest coverage on how mongers are coping with life on the frontlines, and about the reality of small business loans for independent cheese shops to bring yourself up to speed.
- Beehive Cheese is giving away a 5-pound quarter-wheel of their iconic Promontory cheddar to ease your quarantine blues, part of their #ProjectPromontory initiative. Beehive has already donated 2,600 pounds of cheese to local food banks as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, and they plan to keep producing cheese to help more families in need. Check out their website for more on how you can help.
- Unfortunately, the UK’s annual Cheese Roll has been cancelled this year due to the pandemic. To fill the void of missing out on such an iconic tradition, London-based filmmaker Chris Thomas has released his short film based on the event, “Let’s Roll,” online for everyone to enjoy for free. We recommend screening the festival favorite from the comfort of your couch while snacking on some cheese for the ultimate viewing experience.
- As French cheese makers struggle to stay afloat during this global crisis, desperate measures are being put in place by legislators to benefit producers. The French government recently started relaxing the strict AOP regulations set in place for how cheeses like Comté and Bleu D’Auvergne need to be made, allowing for things like longer milk storage and freezing fresh cheese to ease production.
- Looking for ways to give back during this crisis? Check out Lively Run Dairy’s fundraiser, which is making cheese with surplus milk for food banks, and this fundraiser which is giving back to struggling New England cheesemakers. And don’t forget about our roundup of local shops offering COVID-friendly buying options—every purchase of delicious locally-made cheese helps support small businesses who desperately need your help.
Monica Petrucci
Monica is Culture's former Social Media Editor. Coming from a formaggio-obsessed Italian family, she was very excited to combine her passions for cheese and writing at Culture. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and pairing wine and cheese in her spare time.
