Wooster church’s pet food pantry helps families feed their dogs and cats amid rising need

When there is food insecurity, people may struggle to feed their dog and cat companions. The pet food pantry at St. James Episcopal Church in Wooster was created to address that need.

“The pet food pantry is a place where anyone in need can get free dog and cat food once or twice a month,” said Rev. Meghan Carlson, St. James’ priest-in-charge.

The pantry was started in 2022.

“Our congregation used to have a feeding ministry that came to an end during the pandemic,” Carlson said. “When we were searching for a new outreach ministry, we decided on a pantry for pet food since it can be expensive, and many people rely on their pets for emotional support. We wanted to help fill a gap that most other ministries and charities don’t address.”

The pantry is open the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 4-5:30 p.m. at St. James, 201 N. Market St., Wooster, on the corner of North and Market streets. Enter through the double glass doors on North Street, where volunteers will direct clients to the accessible pantry.

Those stopping by are asked to show an ID. Community members who have a SNAP or WIC benefit card to show may come twice per month. Everyone else is welcome once per month. Food will be provided for up to five animals per household. The food is bagged to provide roughly enough for two weeks of the recommended servings.

“We offer Purina dog, cat, kitten and puppy food on a consistent basis,” Carlson said, “so that the animals are not constantly getting different things and possibly getting sick.” 

When available through donation, the pantry also offers some extras to clients: treats, cans of wet food, leashes, clothing and toys that are in new or gently used condition.

The pantry is entirely volunteer-run with church members and students from both The College of Wooster and Wooster High School. Members of the church and staff buy and pick up the pet food using funds from donations or grants. Some volunteers assist with labeling bags or packing the food into bags, and others help with distribution.

The pantry relies on community donations, and the need is higher now than it has ever been. Carlson said the pantry had been seeing 65-70 families per month.

“We are seeing a steady increase in the number of households that come to us, and we expect it to go up with the suspension of SNAP benefits,” Carlson said. "We can always use donations to help us buy pet food. We have a wish list on Chewy that people can use to donate, or they can donate through our church website and designate the funds for the pet pantry."

Anyone interested in helping also can contact the church office to arrange donations of pet supplies or volunteer by emailing office@stjameswooster.org or calling 330-262-4476. Donate online at www.stjameswooster.org/pet-pantry. Donations to the pet pantry are tax-deductible.

“This ministry is a true joy to our parish and to the community,” Carlson said. “It’s easy to get to know people when we can chat about our pets. They’re great icebreakers. We not only help people to feed their pets, but we create a community and show people that they and their pets are cared for. We don’t ever want people to have to give up their beloved pets because of (financial hardship).”