History of the Food Pantry with Pet Food

STARTING A FOOD PANTRY

In 2006, Church of the Advent opened our first food pantry. With support from Louisville’s Dare to Care Food Bank, this needed ministry grew from an experiment to a permanent pantry that serves our neighbors in Louisville. Last year we served, on average, 72 households per month, distributing more than 20,000 pounds of food to our neighbors in need. 

The Food Pantry with Pet Food is open every 3rd Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Guests must provide a valid form of I.D. or proof of current address on each visit. The pantry is open to guests from all area zip codes.

HELPING PEOPLE FEED THEIR PETS

In 2009, when concerned parishioners saw that the economic downturn was making it hard for people to feed their pets, they founded the first Pet Food Pantry in Louisville. They understood the importance of pets in people’s lives regardless of their economic status. 

Pet food is a much-needed and much-appreciated addition to our Food Pantry.  Ours is the only pet pantry in Louisville.  Over 60% of the households served have one or more pets. 

We provide pet food and cat litter [when available] to those who are experiencing difficulty in feeding and caring for their pet companions. Each pet pantry guest receives 1-2 weeks of dog and/or cat food, depending on the number and size of animals. In addition, we sometimes have kitty litter, beds, leashes and other gear.

PARTNERING WITH ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

In 2011, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church became our partner in the  Food Pantry with Pet Food ministry. Volunteers from Church of the Advent and St. Andrew’s, as well as from the community, come together to greet and check in guests, to repack pet food in smaller bags, and to distribute goods.

We are excited to see what the future holds for the Church of the Advent / St. Andrew’s Food Pantry with Pet Food. We hope you’ll join us and help us write the next chapter in our history.

MORE INFORMATION

For any questions, concerns, comments, or feedback regarding the Food Pantry with Pet Food or to volunteer, please contact Deacon Barbara, Food Ministry Coordinator, at deaconbarbara@adventky.org. 

To learn ways in which you can help with the Advent/St. Andrew’s Food Pantry with Pet Food, click here.