GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Grand Rapids nonprofit organization is providing people with free supplies to make sure that they can afford to keep their animals at home. 

Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry opened seven years ago as a way to address the growing problem in the community: people having to surrender their pets because of growing costs. 

“The animal welfare community in general is overwhelmed, so we want to be a part of that solution so people don’t have to surrender their pets,” Rachel Jensen, the president and founder of the food pantry, said. “If people need our help with feeding their pets, we’re going to help them regardless.”

The volunteer-based organization hands out food and pet supplies to more than 100 families every other weekend and it is all free.

“It’s exciting and a heartwarming feeling. We are able to develop a relationship with these people and even some of their pets,” Jensen said. 

The pantry now has a new location at 1035 Godfrey Ave. SW Suite A in Grand Rapids. Jensen said the expansion will help them meet the growing needs and discover needs that they haven’t seen yet. 

“Our number one goal is to keep them in their homes with their families, however we possibly can,” Jensen said.

The pantry takes food, supplies, toys and monetary donations from the public. The next distribution day is Dec. 7 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. If you need supplies, you must register for the waitlist the day of the event. The shelter also helps pet owners find affordable ways to spay or neuter them. You can find more information on their services here.