Animal Rescue Fund Of The Hamptons Holding Donation Drive In Support Of Pet Food Pantry

Pets are an integral part of family life. They lift our spirits in times of struggle and are there for us no matter what. The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) recognizes that and is dedicated to supporting local community members and their pets in any way they can. With unemployment rates at an all-time high, local food banks have been faced with an increased demand in both human and pet food.

In response to the financial struggles the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on East End families, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons has created the Pet Food Pantry to assist families in need of pet food and treats; a dependable fund that is there for those in need of some extra help.

On Saturday, April 25, Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons filled up two cargo vans of cat and dog food, which was distributed to the East Hampton, Montauk, and Sag Harbor food pantries. Jamie Berger, the Animal Rescue Fund’s Director of Marketing and Communications, explained the impact the Pet Food Pantry has already had on local families. “We had such a tremendous response from ARF’s community of supporters and our local food pantries to the pet food drive we held back in April,” she said. “Once we knew there was a significant need, we knew we could help in a more substantial way.”

ARF is holding their second donation day on Saturday, July 11 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the ARF Adoption Center (124 Daniels Hole Road, East Hampton) and is currently in the process of coordinating donation dates that will take place once a month through the fall.

“Families are struggling to make ends meet and ARF is hoping to eliminate some of that stress by helping to provide food for the family pet(s),” Berger added. “We hope that our friends and neighbors will take advantage of this new program.”

Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons asks that donations please be unopened. Families in need can pick up on Saturday, July 18 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the ARF Adoption Center.

For more information, call 631-537-0400 or visit arfhamptons.org.