Great Northern Services

School Mini Pantries

Good nutrition supports learning, growth, and participation in the classroom. When students have reliable access to healthy foods at school, they can focus, stay engaged, and enjoy their day without worrying about having something to eat.

Great Northern Services launched the School Mini Pantry program in 2016 with two pilot sites at Mt. Shasta and Weed Elementary Schools. The program has since expanded and now serves 11 schools throughout North and South Siskiyou County, reaching more than 1,200 students.

Each school hosts a mini pantry where Rotary members from the Mt. Shasta, Weed, Yreka, and Montague clubs and other volunteers deliver food every month. Teachers and school staff receive the food and make it available as needed, helping remove the challenge and stigma of arriving at school without a snack. The mini pantries also introduce students to healthy options they may not always have access to at home, encouraging early habits that support long term well-being.

School Holiday Snack Bags

During the long winter break, the program provides snack bags with enough nutritious food for every child in the household who is eligible. This extends support beyond the school day and reaches children from toddlers through age nineteen. The snack bags help families maintain consistency in access to food when schools are closed and regular meal programs are not available.

Most participating schools serve communities in which nearly all students qualify for free or reduced lunch. These combined efforts help ensure that children can learn, grow, and participate fully in school without food insecurity standing in their way.

This work is strengthened by the dedication of school personnel, local Rotary members and other community volunteers and the generosity of donors whose support keeps the program active and responsive. Together, we are building healthier and more resilient schools and communities.

To learn more about the School Mini Pantries Program, contact Alysia Garcia at 530 938-4115 ext 131 or email agarcia@gnservices.org.