MUSCATINE, Iowa–Since May of 2022, It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources provided an unofficial pet food pantry. They accepted whatever donations of dog and cat food individuals and companies would give them and gave them out to pet owners in need who contacted them. Knowing that many in the area could benefit from a more easily accessible pantry, It Takes a Village started working to make it happen. Thanks to the dedication of everyone who works for them and a recent grant, It Takes a Village now offers the Village Pet Care Pantry.
Through this new endeavor, It Takes a Village hopes to work harmoniously with other animal welfare organizations in the area to meet the needs of all pet owners. It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources President Meaghan Koehler explained: “For Pets’ Sake has done an amazing job at helping feed pets in need within our community with their monthly pet food pantry. Unfortunately, some folks have a more urgent need. We are just hoping to fill those gaps. We are not looking to replace a valuable resource that already exists.”
At the pantry, pet owners in need can access a variety of supplies. Though exact brands and flavors will vary, the Village Pet Care Pantry will regularly offer dry food for cats and dogs and occasionally wet food, most often for cats. Thanks to a GOODS Program grant from Greater Good Charities, the pantry will provide more than just food. Pet owners will also have access to collars, slip leashes, dog and cat toys, dog and cat treats, and blankets.
To accommodate people with different schedules, the Village Pet Care Pantry will have weekday and weekend hours at 1510 Grandview Avenue, Suite One, in Muscatine, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Anyone with additional questions about the pantry may contact It Takes a Village by visiting their Facebook page.
It Takes a Village now operates the Village Pet Care Pantry, which provides a variety of items to pet owners in need. Photo courtesy of It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources.”
Koehler emphasized that people may also receive assistance in Spanish, and prepared the following announcement in Spanish: “Para aquellos que necesitan ayuda con alimentos para su gato o perro, visite It Takes A Village Animal Rescue & Resources en 1510 Grandview Ave., en la Suite 1. La despensa de alimentos para mascotas de Village operará fuera de nuestro refugio de 12:30 a 13:00 p. m. de miércoles a domingo. Cualquier persona que tenga preguntas debe comunicarse con la página de Facebook de rescate en www.facebook.com/itavarr.”
Through generous grants that will help the pantry provide supplies for those in need, they still welcome community donations to ensure it stays fully stocked. Anyone wanting to contribute items may bring them to It Takes a Village between 1:30 and 4 p.m. on weekdays. People may give monetary donations through It Takes a Village’s website or by mail.
As an organization committed to rescuing animals and supporting pet owners through numerous services such as education, their spay and neuter clinic, and vaccination opportunities, Koehler feels the Village Pet Care Pantry represents a natural next step for the group. “We are happy to be able to offer these valuable resources to the community that has so lovingly and generously supported us for the last two years,” she said. “We want to make a difference, not just for the animals, but also in the lives of the humans that love them.”
