Toledo’s Pet Food Pantry Update
In just a few days, Lucas County Canine Care and Control (LC4) will temporarily halt its Community Pet Food Pantry. This pause is necessary as the shelter prepares to move to a new location on Monroe Street.
The last distribution at the current facility on South Erie Street will take place this Sunday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to noon. Appointments are required. Although a specific date for reopening has not been set, LC4 hopes to resume operations in October. They are also pausing vaccine clinics during this transition.
But what will this mean for other local pet food pantries? One notable organization is Toledo’s PET Bull Project, which focuses on helping pet owners in need. They provide low-cost training, grooming, and free pet food. However, maintaining their pantry is a constant struggle.
“The goal is to support families until they get back on their feet,” says Max Machon, a volunteer and board member. “But many people are in need for longer, and some rely on us for years.”
Machon says their pantry has significantly impacted many lives. Volunteers play a crucial role, working without pay simply to help the community.
“This has become more challenging,” Machon admits. “We’ve needed to cut back our pantry hours. We now operate twice a month, on the second and fourth Tuesdays.”
With LC4 pausing its pantry, the PET Bull Project expects an increase in requests. “Our main concern is having enough food,” Machon adds. “We want to ensure we can meet the rising demand.”
Donations of dog or cat food, supplies, and even time from the community are vital to keeping their pantry stocked.
Recent trends show that over 1 in 10 households in the U.S. struggle to provide food for their pets, according to a survey from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). This statistic highlights the ongoing need for support within the community.
Organizations like the PET Bull Project continue to adapt to these demands, proving how vital community support is in challenging times. For more info on how to help, visit the Toledo’s PET Bull Project website.
