For many Broomfield families, pets are much more than animals. They are part of the family, bringing comfort, routine, and plenty of joy, especially during difficult times. At Broomfield FISH, helping families meet their basic needs can sometimes include making sure their four-legged family members have enough to eat, too.
Broomfield FISH has served local residents since 1963. While the organization is best known as a food pantry and family resource center, pet food has long been part of the donations available through its marketplace. Unfortunately, those donations can be few and far between, and the pet food shelf is often empty.
“We believe that having a pet can mean so much to someone who is struggling, and they shouldn’t have to say goodbye to their kitty or pup just because they’ve fallen on hard times,” says Crystal with Broomfield FISH.
The need is easy to understand. When a family is stretching its grocery budget, there may not be much left over for pet food. Yet pets can provide an important source of comfort and routine. A dog may give someone a reason to get up and take a walk, while a cat can bring routine and comfort to someone’s day.
FISH operates a little differently than a traditional food pantry. Its marketplace works much like a small grocery store, allowing participants to shop for the foods and household items their families need, just without a cash register. FISH also provides emergency financial assistance and connects residents with resources that can help with everything from employment and money management to health care, childcare, and other needs. The goal is not simply to provide a box of food, but to help neighbors find stability and move toward self-sufficiency.
To help address the growing need for pet food, FISH recently began a new partnership with Colorado Pet Pantry (CPP). On the second Friday of each month, from noon to 2 p.m., CPP distributes pet food and supplies in FISH’s west parking lot.
Families can receive dog and cat food, along with supplies such as beds, crates, bowls, and leash-es, once every three months. CPP also works to provide food for less common pets when possible. FISH is incredibly grateful for the partner-ship with Colorado Pet Pantry, which is helping meet a need that has been difficult for FISH to keep up with on its own.
The impact can be significant. One FISH participant was excited about the new partnership because she had been feeding her dog the same food her family was eating. Another participant with chickens discovered that FISH’s compost program could help feed her animals. She estimated the compost saved her family about $25 a week, or more than $100 a month.
With FISH serving 15,910 Broomfield residents in 2025, the need for resources continues to grow. Community members can help by donating clearly labeled pet food of any amount, especially dog and cat food. Those donations can help fill an often empty shelf and give families one more way to care for the pets they love.
For Broomfield residents with low incomes who need assistance, FISH can be reached at 303-465-1600 or help@broomfieldfish.org. Residents can also stop by during marketplace hours to learn more about available resources.
