The Fisherman’s Mark Pet Food Pantry is a collaboration between Fisherman’s Mark and Lambertville Animal Welfare
At Fisherman’s Mark, we recognize that pets are often more than companions—they’re beloved family members, especially for seniors or families facing financial challenges. Our Pet Food Pantry ensures that no one has to make the difficult choice between feeding their pets or themselves. In partnership with Lambertville Animal Welfare (LAW), this initiative has provided pet food support to our community since 2016, and the need has only grown over the years.
We spoke with Lori Stagnitto from Lambertville Animal Welfare to learn more about the origins of the pantry, how it operates, and the ongoing need for support.
Q&A with Lori Stagnitto, Lambertville Animal Welfare
Q: Tell us about the partnership between Lambertville Animal Welfare and Fisherman’s Mark. How did it come about?
A: Lambertville Animal Welfare (LAW) was formed 15 years ago as a community collaboration to help residents with lost and found pets, outdoor community cats, and pet or wildlife needs. We also have a Senior cats for Senior citizens program that we are very proud of, and we will do nearly anything animal-related throughout the community. About nine years ago, we learned from an elderly resident that she relied on Fisherman’s Mark for food and collected as much tuna as possible—not for herself, but to feed her indoor and outdoor cats.
The idea that someone in our seemingly well-to-do town had to struggle to feed her pets was deeply upsetting. We began delivering cat food to her door but quickly realized a broader need in our community. That’s when we approached Fisherman’s Mark with the idea of a Pet Food Pantry, and together we launched it in Spring 2016. It has now been running for 8.5 years!
(At one time, there were over 100 free-roaming cats in the area. LAW spayed, neutered, and adopted them out, with the last elderly survivor now comfortably living indoors.)
Q: What role does Lambertville Animal Welfare play in maintaining the Pet Food Pantry?
A: We play a very active role in keeping the pantry stocked. We rely on donations from several local businesses, including Ace Hardware and Dogs & Cats Rule in New Hope, as well as support from our rescue partners like:
- SAVE – A Friend to Homeless Animals in Princeton
- Pura Vida Animal Rescue in Ringoes
- Tabby’s Place Cat Sanctuary in Ringoes
- Animal Protection League of NJ
We also use monetary donations to buy pet food in bulk when needed. A special shoutout to La Chocolate Box in Lambertville, which has a donation jar in-store—proving that chocolate lovers really do love pets!
Volunteers from Fisherman’s Mark also monitor food levels and help unload and set up deliveries, for which we are very grateful. As they say, “It takes a village,” and we are fortunate to have such generous donors and supporters.
Q: Why do you believe it’s important to include pet food in the support services at the Free MARKet?
A: Pets are essential members of the family, providing emotional support and companionship, especially for seniors who may live alone. For many people, their pets are their primary source of comfort and joy.
The Pet Food Pantry helps families avoid the heartbreaking decision between paying household bills, buying human food, or caring for their pets. Most importantly, it reduces the risk of families surrendering their pets to shelters simply because they cannot afford to feed them.
Q: What challenges do you face in keeping the Pet Food Pantry stocked, and how can the community help?
A: It is always a challenge to keep the pantry fully stocked because the demand is so high. We rely heavily on local businesses, community partners, and individual donations to keep the shelves full.
Community members can help by donating pet food through drop-offs at Fisherman’s Mark or shipping items directly online. We are hoping to add pet food to Fisherman’s Mark Amazon Wish List which will make it easier for people to send pet food directly to the pantry and also encourage them to add people food to their order as well.
We encourage schools, Scouts, clubs, and local businesses to host pet food drives.
The items we need most are:
- Canned cat food
- Small bags of dry cat food
- Bags of dog food
- Canned dog food
- Cat litter and other pet supplies
Q: How do you feel about the ongoing partnership with Fisherman’s Mark? Are there any moments that stand out?
A: We are honored to partner with Fisherman’s Mark. This collaboration helps families keep their pets at home and out of shelters. LAW was founded to serve our community by helping its pets, and we are proud to align with Fisherman’s Mark in that mission.
Every time I visit the pantry, I see the impact firsthand. Just yesterday, I arrived to find the pantry shelves completely empty, but I had the joy of bringing a generous donation from one of our retail partners to restock it. Moments like these remind me how crucial this partnership is and how much it means to the people—and pets—we serve.
The Pet Food Pantry is a lifeline for many families in our community, ensuring pets remain in loving homes where they belong. With the ongoing generosity of Lambertville Animal Welfare, community partners, and individual donors, Fisherman’s Mark can continue offering this important service.
If you would like to support the Pet Food Pantry, donations of pet food or supplies can be dropped off at Fisherman’s Mark, 24/7, or shipped directly through our upcoming Chewy Wish List. Together, we can ensure no family has to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets.