The Northmen Den Youth Services (NDYS) now has 16 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.”