Oxford is known for many things and savory, delicious food is high on the list. Visit Oxford teams up each year with many of Oxford’s restaurants — from fast food to gourmet meals, to help feed the area’s less fortunate during its Oxford Restaurant Week that will be held Jan.

Every time someone dines at a participating restaurant during that week, a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Pantry, Oxford’s largest food bank that serves hundreds of people weekly by providing food to low-income families.

At the end of the week, Visit Oxford hopes to raise at least $3,000 to give to The Pantry.

“That money will be used to help out right here in Oxford,” said Lee Ann Stubbs with Visit Oxford. “Each year we will rotate the charity that receives the money with the five local food charities here in Oxford.”

In previous years, the event was a contest between local food charities and diners would not only donate, but also select which charity they would want their contribution to go to; however, this year Visit Oxford decided to rotate the charity each year, giving each charity an equal opportunity to receive much-needed funds.

In past years, some restaurants have offered special three-course meals for a set price or a discount on particular popular menu items. Fast-food establishments also have joined in and have offered “buy one, get one free” coupons or free dessert with dinner.

Each time a diner orders the Restaurant Week Special, a portion is put into the donation pot.

Restaurants are asked to pay $100 to participate which goes directly to the $3,000 that will be given to The Pantry. In exchange, Visit Oxford includes the restaurant’s name on all promotional pieces, which include ads in local newspapers, Facebook and other social media websites. The restaurant will also be listed on the Oxford Restaurant Week website with the special being offered.

Oxford Restaurant Week is Jan. 24-30. The deadline to apply is Friday and restaurants can apply online to partici- pate by visiting www.oxfordrestaurantweek.com.