The Beacon Food Pantry in Fort Scott has been awarded $5,000 from Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative’s Concern for Community program for much-needed facility improvements.

The grant funded replacement of the pantry’s inoperable lighting systems. Updated lighting will improve safety and visibility for volunteers and the more than 300 families who rely on the pantry each month for food assistance.

“Food pantries are essential lifelines in rural communities,” said Mark Scheibe, Heartland CEO. “We’re proud to support the Beacon Food Pantry’s mission and help make their facility safer and more welcoming.”

The project was among six chosen this year for a total of $30,000 in funding through Heartland’s Concern for Community program.

Other 2025 grantees include: Kansas State Historical Society, Linn County Fair Association, Moran Youth Recreation, Cherokee County 4-H Council, and Walnut Community Service Organization.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. powers rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes consumer-members in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.