The Mobile Pet Food Shelf, a nonprofit organization, was established by Stephanie Gingras to address the needs of pet owners struggling to provide food for their animals. The initiative began in December 2023 when Gingras distributed pet food and supplies at the Motel 6 in Colchester, where she serves as the animal control officer.
The organization now operates with a team of volunteers, making seven stops between Burlington and St. Albans on various days of the month. Gingras stocks her minivan with a variety of items, including dog and cat food, hay, birdseed, cat litter, leashes, harnesses, beds, coats, and flea and tick medication. First-time clients are required to register, but the services are offered free of charge without any income qualification.
To sustain operations, the organization relies on donations and hosts fundraisers, including bake sales. Additionally, it plans to conduct a vaccination clinic in July in Williston and St. Albans, offering free rabies and distemper shots.
Gingras emphasized the emotional connection between pets and their owners, stating, “These are their kids; these are their heart and soul. Just because they’re in a hard situation doesn’t mean they don’t love their animals.”
For further information, visit mobilepetfoodshelf.weebly.com.
Source: www.sevendaysvt.com via Google News.
