CORONAVIRUS: Pet food pantries fill critical need during COVID-19 crisis

As thousands of local workers are displaced due to emergency shutdowns of many businesses in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, pet pantries that provide free food are preparing for a potential uptick in clients.

Three pet pantries locally — 400 Paws and Pensacola Humane Society in Pensacola, and A HOPE in Milton — are continuing to operate throughout the coronavirus crisis, though they are adjusting some of their practices to follow social distancing guidelines.

For instance, 400 Paws is implementing curbside service in lieu of walk-in service, according to Lauren Cheney, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit.

"Most of the people who utilize the food pantry already have the application on file, so it's very simple," Cheney said in an email to the News Journal. "We have a set up outside of our building and when they pull up we ask them their name and then get their pet food from inside and bring it out to them."

This past Sunday, Cheney said 400 Paws helped feed 265 animals by handing out 1,588 pounds of pet food to low-income families in Escambia County.

At the Pensacola Humane Society pet food pantry, workers have already seen a rise in people who need help — but also in helpers.

The pet food pantry is the only local one that is open seven days a week and the only one that does not have income-specific requirements to receive donated food.

“We’re having some really wonderful moments. We had Navy Federal come (last) week with a truckload of supplies, we’ve had people drop off toilet paper, which we could kiss them all over their face,” said Darra Flanagan, director of community initiatives for the Pensacola Humane Society. “Our local community is so philanthropic and so ready and willing to help in situations like these, because everyone’s hurting. … We are a hub for people who are looking for resources in our community for animals.”

In Santa Rosa County, A HOPE is continuing its Bowl Fillers program in addition to its pet food pantry. Bowl Fillers is a partnership with the Council on Aging of West Florida to provide senior citizens who can't leave their homes with free pet food.

"A HOPE is also taking all precautions during these events including social distancing and wearing (personal protective equipment)," said Paige Cary, a spokeswoman for the organization. "We are still here to help our community, the animals and our shelter."

If you're in need of pet food assistance or would like to donate items or money, here's how:

400 Paws, Inc.

— Located at 1147 Creighton Road in Pensacola

— Open the fourth Sunday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m.

— To contact Kim Cheney, president of 400 Paws, email kim@400paws.org

— To apply for assistance, visit 400paws.org and click on the heading "The Food Ally."

Donations can be made on the 400 Paws Facebook or via their Amazon wishlist.

Pensacola Humane Society

— Located at 5 North Q St. in Pensacola

— Open every day from noon to 5 p.m.

— Open to anyone who asks for it, no questions asked

For more information, visit pensacolahumane.org

Donations can be made online at pensacolahumane.org, by texting "Dogs" to 50155 on your cellphone or via their online wishlist.

A HOPE

— Located at 5755 Washington St. in Milton

— Open the second Sunday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m.

— To apply for assistance, visit ahope4src.com

— Email ahopehelp@gmail.com for more information about pet food assistance

Donations can be made via their Hope's Heroes program or via their Amazon wishlist.

Annie Blanks can be reached at ablanks@pnj.com or 850-435-8632.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: CORONAVIRUS: Pet food pantries fill critical need during COVID-19 crisis