EWING, N.J. - A year-old central New Jersey food pantry is aimed at pets, not people.
In its first year, the Pet Food Pantry, operated by Liz and Jonathan Iszard out of their Ewing home, supplied nearly a ton of food for 59 dogs, 83 cats, five parrots, and a duck.
The Iszards say people need companionship during tough times and pets fill the bill.
They own a natural pet-treat company and contribute 10 percent of their profits to their pantry.
They provide pet food to local animal shelters, senior citizens, and low-income people.
"During stressful situations, what you want to come home to is a companion," Liz Iszard said. "Some of these people don't have anyone else but their pets."
In addition to soliciting donations for the pantry and communicating with clients, the Iszards deliver the food as needed. They also provide counseling and links to resources that can help pet owners with nutritional questions and spaying and neutering services.
