PRESCOTT — The Prescott Area Food Pantry recently welcomed two more staff members to join long-time leader Pete French. Jen Kathrine will be taking over as the food pantry manager and Maddie Peterson takes on the role of kitchen manager.

The changes are in part to help French dial back his workload so all of the responsibilities do not fall on him. French is not going anywhere, as he will still manage finances and navigate grant opportunities for the pantry.

“I was spending seven days a week here, nights, weekends, all day long,” French said. “It just got to be way, way too much.”

Increasing the staff to three people not only lowers the hours needed from French, but it also decreases overall staffing costs rather than increasing them.

“This just became too much for one person to manage,” Kathrine said. “Then we were able to kind of divvy up the duties and create three positions instead of one.”

As of Oct. 4, the Lunch Box Cafe at the pantry has been closed. The Cafe is a spot where all are welcome to enjoy full meals for $7 with proceeds helping fund the pantry. Pantry participants can also eat there for $4.50.

Grant funding helped put together a restaurant-quality kitchen, and the pantry aims to use it to bring in some funding on its own.

The reason for the closing was to reorganize, find and train volunteers, rework the menu and more. With Peterson added to the staff, it gave time for the transition to happen. The Lunch Box Cafe is expected to open again in early November.

Peterson’s career started in social work, but years ago moved to catering. Peterson was looking for a commercial kitchen space, which the pantry helped provide. This is not Peterson’s first pantry experience, previously working at a domestic violence shelter that had a food pantry.

“It’s fun for me that this is kind of a both worlds, my new career and my past passion, which is still a passion for me, have kind of become combined in this setting,” Peterson said.

Kathrine will handle the pantry side. Kathrine has lived in Prescott for over 10 years and works at a translation company in River Falls. Kathrine is not new to the pantry, volunteering for years and serving on the board.

“I’ve always wanted to do something that helped my community,” Kathrine said. “I know the food pantry, it really helps those most in need in our community, and I just thought that was a really good way to get involved.”

French said it can sometimes be difficult for those in need to feel comfortable attending the food pantry. This is something French hopes to change, wanting everyone in need to feel welcome.

“You take care of what’s important, and we’ll take care of dinner,” French said.

The pantry hosts Wednesday night BINGO sessions, with upcoming dates of Nov. 6, Nov. 20 and Dec. 11. Early bird sessions start at 5:30 p.m. and the main sessions start at 6 p.m.

People interested in donating to the pantry can stop in at 911 Pearl St., mail in a donation or attend fundraisers. There are a variety of donation options for people interested.