WNY Food 4 Paws announces debut event

WNY Food 4 Paws will host a kick-off event at 11 a.m. Wednesday from St. Casimir’s Church Food Pantry, 1833 Clinton St., Buffalo.

The newly created nonprofit has a mission to support food pantries that provide pet food to families experiencing financial hardships. WNY Food 4 Paws works directly with manufacturers, pet supply stores, grocery stores and community partners to acquire pet food and other pet supplies, and redistributes them to established food pantries and pet food pantries in Erie and Niagara counties.

A press release stated, “Food insecurity is on the rise across the county and in our community. The use of food banks has significantly increased during these difficult times, and families also need help feeding their pets. The ability to provide appropriate, nutritious food for their cat or dog may be a contributing factor that determines if a family can keep the pet, or is forced to surrender it to an animal shelter or rescue.”

WNY Food 4 Paws will be joined by community partners who will host donation barrels for the initial collection phase starting July 27. Members of the public are encouraged to visit these locations and donated pet food, treats and other essential pet supplies (cat litter, grooming/bathing supplies, collars, etc.) For the complete list of barrel locations, visit https://www.wnyfood4paws.org/.

“We are so appreciative of the willingness of our partners to host our collection barrels, and encourage other businesses and partners to contact us to schedule placement,” said Jacqueline Blachowski, WNY Food 4 Paws president. “We are also looking for direct donations of pet food and supplies from retailers or wholesalers.”

The organization said, “It is only through a collaborative community effort that WNY Food 4 Paws will be successful in providing sustained support to the food pantries that serve families with pets. Please contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in helping, or if you have specific questions regarding partnership opportunities."

Image courtesy of WNY Food 4 Paws