One effect of COVID-19 we’ve all felt in one way or another is a shortage - of food, of cleaning supplies and paper products.
But pet owners may have also experienced a shortage of pet food and supplies. The San Diego Humane Society is trying to do something about that, by distributing 70,000 pounds of pet food and supplies.
“We’re here as a resource and as a safety net for our community. We want to keep pets out of the shelter, so we’re here providing food daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to any family that is short of that resource,” said Geraldine D’Silva of the Humane Society's Paws San Diego program, which typically helps low-income people with their pet food and supply needs.
The need has grown because, in many places, the shelves are empty.
“Either the lines are long, and we have five kids at home, or there’s no dog food, no cat food at the Albertsons or the Walmart," said one driver who picked up some food. "You know, if you’re not there in time to get it, it’s gone.”
Animal care specialist Cassie Edmond usually works inside the Humane Society. But on Tuesday, she was outside helping pass out food and loving it.
“I feel like I’m making a difference today and just helping people that really need it,” she said. “You know, some people can’t go out and go to Walmart and stand in line, so we’re their resource.”
As long as their stockpile holds out, the Humane Society will continue giving out food every day at their three campuses in San Diego, Oceanside and Escondido. They are also sending supplies to the San Diego Food Bank, Elder Help and the San Diego Unified School District, which in turn distribute the food.
The Humane Society is also taking donations at sdhumane.org.
