BEATRICE - A southeast Nebraska food pantry is celebrating a milestone of service to the community.

The Community Food Pantry in Beatrice gathered at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Wednesday to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Karen Mains is the coordinator for the food pantry and has seen the pantry grow over the years.

“It’s grown and grown and we finally became a 501C, and we changed the name from St. John’s food pantry to Community Food Pantry, because all of the churches and organizations and individuals were donating to the pantry,” Mains said.

That change was made in 1997, but the pantry began in 1972. That’s a long time… but for Mains, she’s more grateful the pantry is still operating, especially now, when times are tough.

“I’m glad we’re here to help all the needy, especially right now,” Mains said. “With all the pieces of food and gas, I can see why people can’t afford to feed their families, to pay their rent, or buy food for their car.”

Mains says the pantry has kept on going strong thanks to their ability to go the extra mile for those in need.

“We are a unique pantry because we don’t just give them a box of food,” Mains said. “They bring in their grocery list and then we put that on our sheet for the pantry and fill the order.”