It was a long time coming, but the Prescott Area Food Pantry celebrated its long-awaited ribbon cutting ceremony with the Prescott Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Food pantry manager Jen Kathrine and kitchen manager Maddie Peterson joined pantry CEO Pete French to mark the occasion, the culmination of years of toil by French and countless volunteers and community supporters.

The Prescott Area Food Pantry moved several years ago to the vacant building that once housed a pool and community space for the River Heights Motel. With grant funding and donations, the building was purchased, allowing the food pantry to expand to meet the growing needs of the community. A commercial kitchen was added and the Lunch Box Café was opened, where meals are $7, including beverage.

French on all the ways the community has lifted the food pantry up over the years:

“We appreciate all the help from all the local businesses and the community. We’ve had some trying times getting this thing up and running. After the contractors and the grant people went away, they left us with close to $200,000 in equipment and bills that were still needed to be paid,” he said. “This is just a darn good addition to the City of Prescott for years to come.”

French has been able to transition more into a fundraising role, with Kathrine and Peterson coming on board.

One thing is for sure: The community need for the food pantry continues to grow.

“There’s a lot of people who are in need, especially right now,” said French.

To donate to the Prescott Area Food Pantry, visit prescottfoodpantry.org.