Four Winds Pet Pantry

Four Winds Connections, in collaboration with the Community Action Center in Rice County and with Cansa'yapi Food Pantry with Lower Sioux Indian Community in Redwood County, operates the Four Winds Pet Pantry 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 Pantry is designed to address a significant need in the community — ensuring that low-income families who wish to have a companion animal are supported in doing so. Raising the necessary funds to run the program helps bridge the gap, allowing more families to enjoy the benefits of a family pet through food support when finances are tight.