LEXINGTON, Neb. — As the Tyson beef plant prepares to shut down in Lexington, local nonprofits are moving quickly to support families who may soon lose a steady paycheck.

Crossroads Mission Avenue and the Food Bank for the Heartland announced plans to open a new, permanent food pantry inside Mission Avenue Thrift, aimed at addressing an expected increase in food insecurity following the closure.

Crossroads leaders say the announcement of the plant’s shutdown came as a shock to the community but prompted an immediate response.

The pantry will offer shelf-stable food items such as canned vegetables, protein products, and household staples.

Organizers say the goal is to supplement existing mobile food distributions, which often run out before reaching everyone who needs assistance.

The pantry will operate during regular thrift store hours, open six days a week, allowing families to access food without having to leave work early or arrive at limited distribution times.

The new pantry is scheduled to open January 20, the same day the Tyson plant is expected to close, as community organizations prepare for the economic impact on Lexington residents and the surrounding area.