The need for pet food at local food pantries HAWA supplies has risen by 50% since mid-2008 from an average distribution of 800 pounds per week to an average of 1,600 pounds per week. Many, many individuals, school classes, businesses, foundations and groups have pitched in and made it possible for us to stretch our limited budget for pet food yet supplies remain short and hard to come by.

Haywood Animal Welfare Association, Inc. (HAWA) provides pet food at county food pantries distributing much needed pet food to pet owning low-income individuals and families and to Meals on Wheels for the pet owning shut-ins they serve. The pet food distributed helps these pet owners keep their pets healthy and well nourished and because they don’t have to spend scarce funds on pet food, they can purchase more nourishing food for themselves.

Because our traditional pet food donors or low-cost providers are not able to provide as much as they have in the past and increasing costs of pet food, HAWA is facing the fact that we may not be able to continue this service. Even with Junaluska Feed allowing us to purchase pet food at cost we are paying over $1,000 per month to fill in the gap between donated food and current need.

Penny Wallace, President of HAWA, says, "We are seeking the public's help, through gifts of money for the Pet Food Program or gifts of pet food in the hope that we can keep this program alive."

Donations may be sent to HAWA, PO Box 992, Waynesville, NC 28786 pet food donations (Cat Food Please) can be dropped off at our office located at 145 Wall Street, Waynesville Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For further information, call 828 452 1329.