Pet owners in need of food for their dogs and cats are invited to visit the pet food bank that is offered by the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg. The free pet food is available to those who are struggling to feed their pets because of financial hardships, with the goal of keeping more pets in their home and out of shelters.

Because of the pandemic, the pet food bank has changed the way it operates. Last April, online sign-up became available, allowing people to register and choose a time to safely pick up the food in a drive-through format.

"Before COVID-19, people would call in and say they need help and tell us how many pets they had and come in to get their food," explained Amanda Brunish, HSHA director of marketing and outreach. "(People) can now sign up for a time slot, say how many pets they have and the type of pets, and we will have the food ready for them in a pickup location outside the building. Our goal is to help as many people as possible as safely as possible."

To register for a time to come to the pantry, readers may visit http://www.humanesocietyhbg.org and choose Get Assistance and then HSHA Pet Food Bank Drive (Thru). Those who do not have access to a computer may call 717-564-3320 and choose option 105 for the food bank coordinator to register.

When people arrive, they will be given dry pet food for their cats or dogs. "If (the pets) have a grain issue, we can accommodate grain-free food if possible," Brunish said. "We try to give treats as well if those are available. We want to set the pet owner up for success and make sure the pet will have a full belly for a while."

Because of the pandemic and increasing demands, the pet food bank received funding from the Pennsylvania Animal Response Team (PART). According to Kristi Kleinfelter, HSHA food bank coordinator, the food bank would typically get one or two pickups per day in 2019. Since COVID-19, it is normal for the food bank to have six to seven pickups a day.

Brunish reported that from April to December 2020, HSHA donated more than 14,500 pounds of pet food to those in need in central Pennsylvania. This helped to feed more than 275 pets. She noted that pet adoptions went up significantly during the stay-at-home order last spring.

Food bank donations are welcome. Individuals and families may donate, as well as church groups or clubs such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. "We have a donation bin to the left of the adoption center, and donations can be dropped off anytime," noted Brunish. "We suggest that people visit our website - there is a section called Get Involved. Under that, we have a wish list, which is our most-needed items. For anyone interested in doing a food drive, this is a good place to start."

At this time, only cat and dog food is available from the pantry. Those who have a different type of pet and are in need of assistance, as well as those who are unable to travel to HSHA, should email frontdesk@humanesocietyhbg.org.

For more information about the HSHA and the food bank, readers may visit http://www.humanesocietyhbg.org or http://www.facebook.com/HumaneHBG or call 717-564-3320.