County, St. Martin de Porres Team Up for Pet-Food Pantry

The Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center and St. Martin de Porres Center officially launched a new pet-food pantry partnership last Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the St. Martin de Porres Center in Springfield.

The event marked the opening of a new drop-off and pick-up location designed to help pet owners in need by providing access to donated pet food. The initiative aims to ease the burden on families experiencing financial hardship or unexpected life challenges, ensuring that pets remain cared for and with their owners.

Community members, local officials, and representatives from both organizations attended the ceremony to celebrate the collaboration. The new site will serve as both a donation hub for community members and a distribution point for families seeking assistance.

“The partnership between Animal Control and St. Martin de Porres reflects what our community does best, coming together to care for one another,” said County Board Member and Public Health Committee Chair James Schackmann. “By helping families keep their pets fed and healthy, we’re supporting not only animal welfare but also the emotional and financial stability of the people who love them.”

The Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center will oversee ongoing coordination for the program, including maintaining food supplies and supporting outreach efforts to ensure the pantry continues to meet local needs.

The new pet-food drop-off and pick-up site is located at 1725 South Grand Avenue East in Springfield and is now open to accept donations from residents and organizations wishing to contribute. Donations can also be made directly at the Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center, located at 2100 Shale Street in Springfield.