Less than a week after closing temporarily due to low supplies, Bridgeport Animal Control’s Pet Food Pantry reopened on May 9 with nearly 150 donations from local and regional residents to help feed the city’s needy pets.
“We’re working hard to unpack, label, and organize those donations,” said Jennifer Merenda, the city’s chief animal control officer.
The pantry offers free dog and cat food to Bridgeport residents who need help feeding their pets because of financial hardship. The animal shelter at 236 Evergreen Street is open from Monday to Saturday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some restrictions apply and identification must be shown.
On May 3, the pantry’s widely shared Facebook post that it was low on supplies prompted an outpouring of support from the region—including Easton. Amazon trucks delivered boxes upon boxes of items people ordered through the pantry’s Amazon Wish List.
When The Boys & Girls Club of Redding-Easton heard of the need, students at Helen Keller Middle’s Torch Club launched a campaign to collect items for the pantry. Students are creating posters and sharing Instagram stories to help spread the word and encourage donations.
Donation drop-off boxes are available at both Helen Keller Middle School and John Read Middle School in Redding. Contributions will be accepted through May 17.
“They’ve really taken the lead on this project,” said Meredith Schuchard, Boys & Girls Club director. “The club encourages students to take on projects they’re passionate about — ones that address real needs in their community. When I mentioned the animal shelter’s need, the students were immediately on board.”
Merenda said the public attention on the pantry has increased both demand and awareness.
“We’re happy to help as many people as we can, but that’s only possible through consistent donations,” said Merenda.
Year-round donations can be made from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bridgeport Animal Control facility at 236 Evergreen St. or online via the pantry’s Amazon Wish List.
