Last April, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons created a Pet Food Pantry to assist families with pets in need in the community. ARF has been committed to providing cat and dog food to those who need it, understanding that pets are an integral part of the family unit, especially in times of crisis.
In an effort to keep pets in their homes, ARF offers free pet food through a monthly, drive-through pet food pantry at the ARF Adoption Center.
The Covid-19 pandemic has created a growing demand for such assistance. Although unemployment rates have come down from the time when Covid first hit, many local families remain unsure of the future. Feeding a family pet(s) could easily become a financial burden for many.
This month marks one year since the formation of ARF’s Pet Food Pantry and to date, ARF has collected and distributed a total of 9,645 lbs of dry dog and cat food and over 7,240 cans of wet food to the community and local food pantries, reaching more pets and people in need than they ever thought possible.
ARF’s Pet Food Pantry is open monthly and will be open again for business on Saturday, April 17, from noon to 3 PM. Collections and distribution of pet food are held on the same day. Drop off or pick-up cat and/or dog food at the ARF Adoption Center, located at 124 Daniels Hole Road in East Hampton.