Rising Demand at Anicira Pet Food Pantry: How We’re Helping More Pets in Need

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) — The Anicira Pet Food Pantry in Harrisonburg is addressing an important issue: pet food insecurity. The pantry, part of a nonprofit organization, has seen a rise in demand for its services over the past few months.

Operating twice a month, the pantry provides pet owners with a month’s supply of food. Each year, it helps around 775 to 950 families. Before each distribution, Anicira typically receives about 10,000 pounds of pet food. However, as the need increases, so does the call for community support.

Dan Chavez, the operations coordinator, explains, “The demand for assistance is continually rising, and we’re grateful to meet that demand.” But this increase also means they need more volunteers to help keep things running smoothly.

Recent statistics highlight this trend. According to a 2023 survey by the Pet Food Institute, 50% of pet owners have faced challenges affording food for their pets. This underscores the importance of community initiatives like Anicira’s.

The next food distribution is set for Saturday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. If you’re interested in getting support or want to volunteer, check out the information available on Anicira’s website.

By addressing these challenges collectively, we can ensure that our pets receive the care and nourishment they deserve.

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