For many students, school comes with challenges. It is easier to focus on class when other stressors are not a factor. For more than a decade, 31 Backpacks has helped students across the Copper Country Intermediate School District. Some of that help includes a pantry at Horizons Alternative School. Students come to Horizons to learn and work toward their futures.
Maki recalled a student who had missed school for three days. When someone checked on her, she was wrapped in a blanket.
“She said, ‘I’m too weak to get to the bus stop,’” said Melissa Maki, vice president of 31 Backpacks. “That’s when we realized that there was more of a need here in the school for these students than there is for the majority of the students who are in our program. So we opened this up.”
“I just think this collaboration with 31 Backpacks over the years has been vital to our program and the success that we see,” said Darren Kinnunen, principal of Horizons Alternative School. “Food insecurity is not a new issue in any community, but I love how 31 Backpacks has been innovative in helping us support our students.”
The pantry, which has been open for more than a decade, provides snacks for students who are running late to class and food they can use to make a meal at home.
“On any given day, I would say 75% of our student body, maybe up to 85%,” Kinnunen said. “Some days, depending on what’s in here, it could be every student coming through, grabbing a little snack throughout the day or taking stuff home for the weekend.”
“Volunteer Charlene stocks the pantry and makes sure everything is in good shape, Maki said. Sometimes, she takes products home, prepares a meal and brings it back to show students what she made with pantry items.”
Student Cyrell Smith said more students could benefit from the pantry. Some students who use it “see the true value in it,” Smith said.
“We have teenage boys who are growing, right? And so sometimes the food portions at lunchtime aren’t quite enough to get them fulfilled,” Kinnunen said. “It’s nice to supplement that with some of the items that we have here. And ultimately, what we love is kids are able to take food home and prepare some meals for themselves or for their families.”
Maki said the program works at Horizons for several reasons, though those factors may not apply elsewhere. She said 31 Backpacks has made a difference in students’ lives for 14 years and that she enjoys visiting the school.
“ I love coming here because of the enthusiasm of the kids, and they help out and they’re glad to see us,” Maki said.
31 Backpacks provides weekly packs to schools across the Copper Country Intermediate School District, with additional meals delivered before longer school breaks. Michigan schools provide students with free breakfast and lunch, but some students may not have stable meals away from school.
The organization meets volunteers weekly at 601 Ingot St. to pack weekend meals. It will seek additional help for Big Pack. Businesses, community organizations and individuals interested in supporting 31 Backpacks can contact President Melissa Maki at 31backpacks@gmail.com.
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