Jaguar Wellness Pantry
We all experience need from time to time, but you are not alone.
The Northern Cass community is here for you!
The Jaguar Wellness Pantry's purpose is to help alleviate child hunger and provide basic hygiene products to learners and their families. The Jaguar Wellness Pantry, in partnership with Great Plains Food Bank, is confidential, open to all in need, and located on school grounds. Most food items available are shelf stable, nutritious, and easy to prepare. The pantry will also have an assortment of hygiene products and household items. This program is provided at no charge to learners in need and their families. For more resources or to get involved through volunteering or making donations, click on the links in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
To shop the pantry - contact Wellness Pantry Director Amber Lockhart at pantry@northerncassschool.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the cost to use the pantry? Who can use the pantry?
All pantry items are free of charge.
Any learner, family, school staff or community member can use the pantry.
If you know of a community member in need, please contact the Pantry Coordinator to set up a pick-up time. We do not have space for multiple people to shop at one time but are happy to support the greater community through scheduled pick-up requests.
When is the pantry open? How do I access the pantry?
The pantry is open on school days from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and by appointment.
There are two ways to use the pantry:
A learner asks their educator or the pantry coordinator in the building for the key and together they go to the pantry to select and weigh their items. An older leaner may also go alone, if requested.
A family member can contact their child’s educator or the pantry coordinator for access to the pantry during school hours or by scheduling a pre-packed pick up using this form.
The pantry can be accessed during school hours by school staff, educators, learners or families. After-hours access will need to be scheduled with the pantry coordinator. We will do our best to ensure discreet access and to maintain as much privacy for learners and their families as possible. The pantry is located close to a rear entry to the school to ensure privacy for families.
Use of the pantry will not be reported to anyone in the building, and there is no paperwork required.
Who do I contact to use the pantry?
Please email pantry@northerncassschool.com or contact your learner’s educator.
To set up a regular pick-up, please fill out this form and the pantry coordinator will contact you to schedule a pick-up time.
How does the program work?
The Great Plains Food Bank is the fiscal sponsor. All other donations are made by the community through product or cash donations to the Northern Cass Foundation for pantry use.
We do not require any paperwork to shop the pantry and all use is kept confidential.
Learners or families can contact us directly at pantry@northerncassschool.com. Learners may also be referred to the pantry by educators or administrators if they see a need. We do not require family permission for learners to access the pantry.
The majority of the food is obtained from the Great Plains Food Bank. Items are also made available through donations from the community, businesses, and from fundraising drives hosted by the school.
To donate items, please contact the Pantry Coordinator.
Why do I need to weigh the food items?
Our fiscal sponsor, Great Plains Food Bank, uses the information schools provide through the weight of food items to ensure future funding and to help determine how many items a pantry needs going forward.
Any information provided by learners or families is considered private and confidential and is only used to report to the Great Plains Food Bank to determine future needs of the school pantry.
How often may I use the pantry?
As often as needed! If you need regular pantry access, please consider setting up a regular pick-up time with the Pantry Coordinator. They can help find a time that works best for your schedule.
What kinds of things can I find in the pantry?
The Jaguar Wellness Pantry will have food, personal hygiene items, household items and basic school supplies. Some things you may find in the pantry:
Canned vegetables, fruit or meat such as chicken or tuna
Peanut butter and jelly
Canned soups and boxed pasta
Cereal and breakfast bars
Microwavable meals
Fruit snacks, fruit cups, applesauce
Juice, shelf-stable milk
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap, shampoo, lotion
Feminine care products
Laundry detergent, dish soap
Toilet paper
Pens, pencils, markers, notebooks, etc.
Also available upon request - socks, underwear and winter gear for children.
Who do I contact if I need something the pantry does not have?
Please email the pantry at pantry@northerncassschool.com. We will do our best to locate what you need or to connect you to a community partner that can help.
How can I help?
Sign up to volunteer or visit the Donations & Volunteer link at the top of the page to learn more about volunteering and making donations.