Eleven weeks ago, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s AniMeals program kicked off its “drive-through” pet food distributions at no cost to those who had lost jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis. With the pandemic continuing and joblessness revealing itself in devastating numbers, Helen Woodward Animal Center announces another extension of the program to last through the end of June.
To celebrate the over 31,000 pounds of food distributed since the program’s beginning, Panini Kabob Grill will be providing the comfort of a warm meal as a surprise to those picking up their two-week food supply at this Wednesday’s (June 3rd) distribution.
Cities across the world have felt the sting since the COVID-19 outbreak forced the closing of restaurants, and retail and service-related businesses, leaving an alarming number of individuals without a paycheck. The decision to try to ease some of this fear locally by providing two weeks’ worth of pet food stemmed from Helen Woodward Animal Center’s belief that pets provide their owners unconditional loving friendships and are truly crucial in times of crisis. A touching number of generous private donors and businesses stepped forward to help with these efforts.
Originally slated to assist for only a matter of weeks, the AniMeals Relief Fund which provided its first distribution on Monday, March 23rd, was met with an overwhelming response (and underlying need). So overwhelming, in fact, that the program has not only been extended multiple times but has since partnered with Feeding San Diego to provide two weeks’ worth of nonperishable food items for human family members, as well.
Since its start, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s AniMeals Relief Fund is proud to have served more than 31,000 lbs of pet food to more than 4,400 beloved household pets. To celebrate these efforts Panini Kabob Grill will be on site at tomorrow’s distribution between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. providing delicious, individually wrapped meals as a surprise gift to those picking up their two-week supply of food.
The distribution of food will continue on throughout the month of June. Those interested in receiving the two weeks supply of pet and human food through the partnership between Helen Woodward Animal Center’s AniMeals Relief Program and Feeding San Diego should request a time slot through animalcenter.org/animealsrelief.
The expanded AniMeals Relief service is being made possible thanks to support from Center friends Cliff and Chris Breining, Dick and Jan Hunter, Katie and Ken Shull, Dan Shea, Vince Hall, Feeding San Diego, Blue Buffalo and Naturally Fresh.
Pet-loving members of the public can support their neighbors and furry community members and help ensure we’re able to help as many individuals as possible by making a monetary donation at animalcenter.org/AniMealsRelief.
