Our Youth Pantries
The Northmen Den Youth Services (NDYS) now has 13 school-based pantries in Emmet and Charlevoix counties serving middle and high school students in need. NDYS provides groceries, toiletries, school supplies, and clothing on a weekly basis. Each pantry is equipped with storage, shelving, and refrigerators. They are staffed by volunteers and supported by fundraising conducted by NDYS. NDYS is a community based entity coming together for every school age child who deals with hunger in Emmet and Charlevoix counties. Approximately four out of ten students are walking our school halls hungry – many of whom for which the free or reduced cost lunch program is the only substantial meal of the day.
Students are made aware of the pantry by teachers, counselors, coaches, or friends. A simple welcome greets a child on their first visit to the pantry. The students are never asked why they are at the pantry. Instead, they’re told by a volunteer that “Groceries are expensive for ALL families. If your family has a tough time buying food, welcome to your pantry and feel free to take whatever you need.”
The regular visit to their pantry becomes a positive experience for most children. They see healthy name-brand products and a refrigerator and shelves full of fresh food. They feel empowered by the opportunity to help their family and make their own choices. One high school girl explained while hugging the pantry’s refrigerator, “I love this refrigerator! Someday I want a refrigerator just like this one – full of good food!”
But the pantry provides more than just relief from chronic hunger. It also affords the children hope that they will be able to write a better story for themselves. One day they will be able provide plentiful food for their own children. The access to healthy foods and the company of a caring volunteer encourages these vulnerable children to reach for something more than what they are enduring now.
A student on her first visit to the pantry as a sophomore shared that, “My dream is to be a doctor.” Upon graduation and acceptance to the MSU pre-med program, she said, “I could not have done it without your encouragement and all the healthy food at the Northmen Den.”
Here are the NDYS pantries in operation now.
Petoskey Middle School, Northmen Den - Opened on November 18, 2016
The Petoskey Middle School pantry was the very first of the NDYS pantries. What started with just 8 students as grown to an average of 65 every week. Petoskey Middle School has a total enrollment of 644 students. 38% or 247 economically disadvantaged students are dealing with hunger every day and qualify for free or reduced cost lunch.
Deena Woods and Jennifer Jensen are coordinators for the Middle School Northmen Den.
“You see the poverty in their clothes, unwashed hair, and a generally unkempt appearance. You see the same sweatshirt week after week and either too big of shoes or shoes held together with duct tape. Yet, they are so excited when they fill their bags. Some take a few things; others take two, three, and even four bags,” explains Deena. As one student told a volunteer, “My family does not have much of anything. You don’t know how this helps me and my younger sisters.”
There are 984 Petoskey High School students, with over 30% of the students eligible for free and reduced cost lunch. Sue Droste is the Coordinator for the High School Northern Den.
“The school counseling office and teachers help the volunteers reach out to students in need. Mrs.Piche, Media Center Specialist, is also valuable partner. Heather Loe’s special needs class helps with grocery delivery and stocking shelves. There is so much enthusiasm for our presence at the HighSchool, and we’re glad to be back in person to provide encourage to these students and remind them that “YOU MATTER,“ says Sue about her wonderful experience helping these resilient teens.
“We recently had a Senior come in who had just heard about the Den. She was so thankful for the opportunity to choose food and hygiene products. She kept thanking us over and over. We also have a freshman who, along with her two younger siblings, is in great need. On her first visit last month, she filled five shopping bags for herself and her family. We were also able to give her quilts for her family. Like many of the students she expresses her thanks and gratefulness for the groceries and emotional support she receives each week.”
Petoskey High School, Northmen Den - Opened in September 2017.
Char-Em Alternative School: Crooked Tree High School, Culinary Kitchen Youth Pantry – Opened in February 2022
Twenty students attend Crooked Tree High School. Sue Droste is the Coordinator.
Fifteen of the Crooked Tree High School’s students would be eligible for free and reduced cost lunch but the school does not provide meals. The pantry shelves and refrigerator are stocked with foods that can be taken home or prepared in a small kitchen in the school. The students are very grateful to be able to help their families. When groceries are delivered each week, a group of students are always ready to unload the car and stock the shelves and refrigerator. Their enthusiasm is infectious! Tom is usually the first student to spot our car and is quick to help. He always tells us how much he and his family have come to rely on the food from the pantry.
Alanson Middle and High School Viking Vault - Opened in March 2022.
210 K-12th graders attend the Alanson Middle and High School. With more than 75% of the students eligible for free or reduced cost lunch. Mary Thompson is the coordinator for the Viking Vault.
The Viking Vault pantry room is filled with kindness, appreciation, and shy but friendly students who look out for each other. On the Thursday before Spring Break, 45 students came and took most of the food in the pantry! One 7th grader explained to a volunteer, “We never have fresh food in our house; you don’t know how much this will help me.” She filled her bags with oranges, microwavable Idaho potatoes, broccoli, pre-packaged salad mix, carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and blueberries. She has returned every week and has brought friends.
Viking Vault needs more volunteers from 11am to 1pm each Friday to make sure it stays open. Please help, especially if you live nearby.
Harbor Springs, Middle School Harbor Hut - opened in September 2017
25% of the 241 enrolled students are eligible for the Free Lunch or Reduced Cost Lunch program. Carol Smith is the Coordinator.
Lakeview Academy Lakeview Locker - opened in 2018
The Pantry serves a half dozen students every week. We buy needed clothing or shoes. This is a Emmet County court-appointed high school.
Concord Academy Concord Corner - opened in October 2021
The Academy is a K-12th grade charter school in Petoskey with an enrollment of 160 students. 65% of the students are eligible for free or reduced cost lunch. The youth pantry is for the Middle and High students and is located in a counselor’s office.
AIM Tutoring pantry
AIM Tutoring pantry is located at the NDYS after-school AIM Tutoring program in Petosky. The pantry is available for students who are being tutored in math, science, or English during the week. The students named the pantry the Mitchell Mini-Mall since our after-school tutoring program is at 422 E. Mitchell.
Pellston’s Middle and High Youth Pantry Hornet Nest
More than 65% of the student body of 237 are eligible for free or reduced cost lunch.
Please help our Pellston students in need by becoming a volunteer. It’s not a long drive and your time will be cherished by these children. Call 231-622-8044 or email [email protected].
Northmen Dens newest pantry and serves children are ages 6-17. We are currently need donations to buy food for this pantry.
