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Feeding Kids. Changing Lives. Since 2016.
Every Friday, 350+ kids in Northern Michigan walk into a Northmen Den and find exactly that: food, new clothes, school supplies, and an adult who’s glad they came.
We’re a nonprofit running 16 school-based pantries across Emmet and Charlevoix counties. Since 2016, we’ve nourished middle and high schoolers with food, hope, and opportunity in the way every kid deserves: with choice, with dignity, and with someone in their corner.
Hunger is closer to home than most of us think.
In Emmet County Schools here’s what we’re up against:
middle and high schoolers in our counties
0
of them face hunger every school day
0
qualify for free or reduced lunch
0
%
That’s why we run 16 school‑based pantries. Nobody should learn algebra on an empty stomach.
Not a handout. A welcome.
Meet Samantha. She started visiting our middle school pantry at age 11. She came for the food, the shampoo, the clean clothes — but what she needed most was the volunteers who learned her name and cheered her on.
When Samantha walked across the stage at her high school graduation in 2021, three Northmen Den volunteers were in the bleachers on that hot Sunday afternoon, jumping up and cheering like she was their daughter.
I would love to catch up — it took a lot to get here. I wouldn’t have done it without you all. – Samantha, graduate
Samantha is one of 350+ students who visit our 16 pantries every week — middle and high schoolers who may not know where their next meal is coming from. They shop for groceries, toiletries, school supplies, and new clothing. They take extras home for their siblings. They’re never asked why they came.
And week after week, they find someone who’s glad they did.
14,000 young people were once asked what made the difference in their lives. Their answer: one good adult.
Be that adult.
“If I can make one child feel genuine warmth and care, I’ve made a difference.”
Stories from the Den.
The best way to understand what we do is to read what’s happening week to week. Here’s the latest from our pantries, our volunteers, and the kids who walk through our doors.
Thank You To our 2024 Donors and Sponsors!
Thank you to these amazing donors and sponsors from 2024! Each and every gift makes a difference in the lives of our youth. Check out this amazing community support! $10,000+
Promoting Healthier Foods: Introducing our new Nutrition Matters initiative
Doing better for our kids. Promoting Healthier Foods Introducing our new Nutrition Matters initiative There were 13,250 children in middle and high school who visited our 14 Emmet County
Grateful
Last Friday, while volunteering, a 7th-grade boy saw the pile of blankets and asked if he could take one. He chose one for himself. He then asked if he could