Support available for Cook County families and their pets through new Pet Food Pantry
Oct 31, 2025 08:18AM ● By Content Editor
Dr. Katie Neshek. Photo provided
By Brittany North - Boreal Community Media - October 30, 2025
As families and individuals across the nation feel the effects of rising costs and reduced federal benefits, a new effort in Cook County has launched ahead of schedule to support households and their animals. Local community member Dr. Katie Neshek (a veterinarian) has officially opened the Cook County Pet Food Pantry sooner than she originally planned in response to growing need.
“We are in a tough economic environment for families, especially living this far north, where necessities are even more expensive because we are so remote,” Katie said. “When we add to that the impact the loss of SNAP benefits will have on families, I know that we will have neighbors, family, and friends affected. The need really outweighed any hurdles I had put up in my head to start, and I decided to just figure it out as I go.”
Katie says she has been hearing increasing concerns from pet parents near and far about being able to care for their pets. “The cost of caring for our pets has been steadily rising over the years for many different reasons, and the pandemic resulted in an exponential increase that many families have felt. I have been hearing economic concerns for the cost of food, difficulties in accessing and providing vet care for pets, housing concerns, including finding pet-friendly housing, and it goes on and on. As a result, we are also in the midst of a shelter crisis nationwide with thousands of animals being euthanized daily.”
She emphasizes that helping pets is inseparable from supporting people. “The human-animal bond is an incredibly powerful connection. Having pets enriches our lives (and even our health) in so many ways. I don't ascribe to the idea that having a pet is ‘a privilege’ that only the well off should benefit from. It is also incredibly likely that during the lifetime of a pet (10-20 years), families will experience financial hardship. It is impossible to care about the welfare of our community's pets without caring about their guardians too.”
Katie hopes the pantry will ease some of the strain families are feeling. “Easy access to free pet food will hopefully help alleviate some of the stress families are experiencing. It will just be one less thing to worry about, and alleviating stress can have a huge impact on well-being.”
The pantry is accepting unopened, unexpired cat and dog food — both wet and dry — as well as treats. Monetary contributions are also welcome. “Monetary donations will also be accepted and utilized to purchase food to stock distribution sites or based on need,” she said.
Access will be simple and consistent. “I am working to schedule regular rotating availability across the county several times a week. This schedule will be posted and continuously updated on Facebook. I will also post it in several spots around the communities of Cook County. The Grand Marais Food Shelf will also have items stocked during its open hours. I can also be contacted directly to facilitate access for families, so please do not hesitate to reach out so we can get you what you need!”
The pantry will not require proof of hardship. “I trust that families know their own situations better than I ever could,” Katie explained. “Sometimes, struggle is transient due to medical bills or other unexpected expenses. Most of the United States is one or two paychecks away from houselessness. And everyone is deserving of support.”
To keep the pantry sustainable, she hopes the community will get involved. “I am hoping to set up a small network of volunteers to support distribution and collection. We have several businesses that have volunteered already to be collection sites. I will have regular updates and opportunities/reminders on Facebook and posted throughout the community. I'm also hoping to set up a sustainable way to donate regularly, like a monthly pledge.” Current collection sites include Circle K in Grand Marais and any of the food shelf collection bins at IGA, Johnson's, and the Cook County Co-op.
Katie plans for the pantry to be a permanent resource. “Yes, I plan to continue it indefinitely.”
For those wishing to help, Katie says the needs are simple: “Donate, volunteer, spread the word!” Donations can be made via Venmo at @CC-PetFoodPantry. Community members can reach out to her on Facebook or through WhatsApp to volunteer or access supplies.
