Article by Mel Ulle
In the storied hallways of my beloved South High School, a quiet revolution of good work has been brewing for over a decade. The Denver South Giving Grocery is the school’s home for hope and sustenance, where students and their families can grab a bite and a smile, ensuring that no one goes hungry. This little program is a story of dedication, compassion and love.
Founded 11 years ago by my aunt and uncle, Jaclyn Yelich and Greg Thielen, the program was born out of a simple and sincere desire to make a difference. Over the years, it’s undergone a few name changes – from the South Food Pantry to the South Food Bank – but its essence has remained as consistently delightful as freshly baked bread.
Two years ago, the baton was passed to South High parent, Jen Frenkel, who now steers the ship with the same passion and drive as her predecessors. Each week, her team of volunteers serves approximately 200 students, providing them with enough provisions to keep their families fed and happy. In the 2023-24 school year alone, the program touched the lives of over 5,500 individuals, a testimony to a program that continually punches well above its weight.
All South High School students are welcome at the Giving Grocery, no questions asked. Many are Newcomers, navigating the challenges of a new country and culture, but they all find a warm and welcoming space where they can choose food that speaks to their culinary roots. Fresh produce, meat (including halal), milk, eggs, and tortillas and more line the shelves.
“There are still a lot of families in the South community facing food insecurity,” Jen Frenkel shares. “As long as that is true, we will be there. We are effective because of the people, primarily our wonderful volunteers who put in over 3,500 hours per year and make the Giving Grocery a warm and positive place for the students. We are also fortunate to have the support of the South High School administrators, who provide us with an amazing space in which to operate, the great teachers and staff, the PTSA who fiscally sponsors us, and many community partners. All of that collaboration maximizes our impact on students.”
The Giving Grocery operates entirely on donations and grants, a testament to the community’s generosity. Individuals and organizations can contribute through the program’s website or by sending a check. Community groups are also encouraged to organize food or personal care drives, further strengthening the collective effort to keep South High’s community healthy and nourished.
For Jen, the most rewarding aspect of the program is the students themselves. “They are so sweet, and I feel lucky to know them.” It’s this connection, this shared sense of purpose, that makes the Denver South Giving Grocery so powerful.
The Giving Grocery is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when compassion and community converge. It’s a legacy built on love, nurtured by dedication, and sustained by the unwavering belief that a little kindness can go a long way. As long as there are students in need, the Giving Grocery will be there.
Read Melanie Ulle’s monthly Making a Difference Articles at Urban Life Wash Park.
