Denfeld High Opens New Pantry, Clothes Closet

DULUTH - "When I came in here I didn't know it was going to be like," said Denfeld High School Junior Kendall Blunt. Helping students feel full and fashionable is what Denfeld High School’s new Hunter Hunt program is all about. "There's been a lot of heads and hearts put into this from adults to our students," Principal Tonya Sconiers said. It's the Northland’s first school pantry and clothes closet for students facing food insecurity. "There's absolutely a need not only at Denfeld High School but in our community for additional support with clothing, personal items and food," said Sconiers. Before or after school and during lunch, student shoppers can grab a bag and fill it with nutritious snacks and meals free of charge."It's probably one of the greatest selections there is," said sophomore Caleb Undahl. Across from the pantry, there are trendy fashions up for grabs."I got a couple skirts and some shirts," senior Elizabeth Lone said. "They're really, really nice. The fact that they partnered up with Maurices --  that's really, really cool." Not only does Undahl help out with the Hunter Hunt program, he also shops there."I struggle with being right above poverty," said Undahl. He knows first-hand what it’s like to be hungry during class. "It's like you feel like really restless and really uncomfortable," said Undahl. He feels the Hunter Hunt program will help lessen those experiences."To actually have food to snack on between classes and stuff like yeah it's an awesome feeling," said Undahl. Students who do not have as great of a need say they will still shop there for snacks to hold them over until lunch."Our lunch is just -- it starts at like 1 p.m., so that's long from when I get to school at nine, so that's why I'm pretty hungry," said Blunt. Students do not have to meet a certain criteria to shop for food or clothes because the Hunter Hunt is open to everyone."It's honestly probably one of the greatest things this school district has ever done and this school has ever done," said Undahl."I appreciate all the stuff, great environment, you know,” said Blunt. “I feel loved at the school." Denfeld High School is currently taking donations of gently used clothing and food. The Hunter Hunt is a collaboration between Denfeld and the Northern Lakes Food Bank.