Four Winds Connections, in collaboration with the Community Action Center, operates the Northfield Pet Food Shelf initiative in southern Minnesota. Studies have shown that sharing a life with a companion animal improves mental health, reduces stress and enhances well-being as well as encourages children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. The Pet Food Shelf is designed to address a significant need in the Northfield community — ensuring that low-income families who wish to have a companion animal are supported in doing so. Raising the necessary funds to run this program will help bridge the gap, allowing more Northfield families to enjoy the benefits of a family pet through food support when finances are tight.