EASTON, Pa. — An adoption agency focused on finding furr-ever homes for pets in need is teaming up with an Easton nonprofit to relocate its pet food pantry.
The Center for Animal Health & Welfare announced Tuesday it will partner with ProJeCt of Easton to shift its pet food operation to ProJeCt’s Easton-based food pantry, offering pet owners in need options to feed their furry friends.
Even owners who have had a furry friend for years are struggling with the increased costs of food, toys, training and veterinary care.Feeding America
According to a Feeding America post from 2023, PetSmart Charities research showed 30 million pets face hunger each year.
Costs of pet ownership are on the rise, Feeding America stated, meaning even owners who have had a furry friend for years are struggling with the increased costs of food, toys, training and veterinary care.
And costs associated with pet care are only rising.
For families feeling the squeeze of high prices all around, from groceries to rent and transportation to utilities, adding in those rising pet expenses can be a budget buster.
CAHW has held pet food banks twice per month at Project PAW in downtown Easton since 2022.
ProJeCt PAW, which once housed a thrift store and cat café, closed its doors at the end of June, forcing CAHW to realign its resources to offer assistance for pet parents in need.
A final food bank at Project PAW is set for July 12, with CAHW shifting over to ProJeCt’s food pantry on July 23.
Both food and cat litter will be available at ProJeCt’s 330 Ferry St. location starting that day, and going forward, from 10 a.m. to noon on the second and last Wednesdays of each month.
'Community members depend on us'
According to CAHW Executive Director Rose LoPiccolo, keeping pets in their homes is just as important to CAHW’s mission as finding forever homes for the cats and dogs in its care.
“We recognize the critical role CAHW plays in ensuring pet owners have access to essential pet food, easing one more source of stress for families.”ProJeCt of Easton Executive Director Kim Checkeye
“Many community members depend on us to help feed their pets," LoPiccolo said.
"We are grateful that we can continue to support them through our partnership with ProJeCt, an organization with an extensive history of providing collaborate services to the community,”
ProJeCt of Easton Executive Director Kim Checkeye said the team-up will help address “yet another barrier faced by those we serve — caring for their beloved pets.”
“We recognize the critical role CAHW plays in ensuring pet owners have access to essential pet food, easing one more source of stress for families,” Checkeye said.
CAHW said it also soon will announce additional no-cost and low-cost services for pet parents.
Pet owners visiting the pantry are asked to provide photo identification. Only one member of a household is permitted to receive food and/or litter, and as food is limited, availability is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
CAHW accepts donations of unopened food at the pet food pantry. Donations may be dropped off in the designated donation bin at their shelter and adoption center.
Monetary donations to support the pet food pantry can be mailed to CAHW, 1165 Island Park Road, Easton 18042 or online at healthyanimalcenter.org/donate.
Contributors should note “Food Pantry” on their donation.
