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.

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.

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.

Sign up to volunteer or visit the Donations & Volunteer link at the top of the page to learn more about volunteering and making donations.