The problem is, other than the additional work, receiving the truck, inventory, reporting and all the other admin side of things, will most likely be space - if they request a truck that has 24 pallets (sometimes they are 39 pallets) and you take 2 pallets, and another rescue takes 2 pallets, then that organization has to store all those other pallets for however long until they can get it distributed out. This is of course not productive and if they are a Food Pantry, I am sure space is needed.
The Goods Program is fantastic if there are enough organizations willing to participate and there are a lot that don't need it, foster based rescue's don't generally bother with it as a lot of fosters pay for the food, a lot of organizations get food donated from Walmart and stores that have damaged bags and that is enough for them. A lot of the shelters are already involved in food donations through Hill and Purina and so don't need it as they are already getting food for FREE. Others have their volunteers donate bags.
Are you in a position to become an Ambassador for the GGC, it seems that you are able to get the funds, storage and a way to unload is the bigger problem and then getting other organizations to sign up to take the food and supplies from you. Bare in mind that some of the pallets can have all kinds of things on them, small creature items and such.
If you are not in a position to do that, then maybe see if there are other organizations in your area that are interested and willing in signing up - I am sure if you are able to have enough organizations that would be able to take the truck load of food and products between them, it would make it much more appealing and do-able for the Food Pantry to pick it up again.
The other option would be to find out where there are other distributors (ambassadors as the GCC calls them) and sign up with their program. You could reach out to the GGC to find out the locations of the organizations that are closest to you.
Just please bare in mind that as great as it is, it is a tremendous amount of work for organizations who are already doing so much and most likely took it on, wanting to help more, but expected the response from other organizations to be more positive and supportive.
Sorry I can't be of more help, but hope you are able to get access, when I was in Texas (before I moved to Maine) we had volunteers who would drive 6 hours one way to pick up 6 pallets of food, as it was worth it. We built a storage shed so we had space to store it and it worked well and of course saved us a huge amount of money and gave peace of mind that we had plenty of food.
Good luck.
Jen
------------------------------
Jenny Cope - Fear Free Certified
President/Founder
Give a Dog a Home Rescue
Greater Goods Charities - GOODS Program Ambassador
501c3 Non- Profit Corp, Tax ID/EIN 27-5241306
State of Maine Shelter/Rescue Licence # F1463
State of Maine Registered Charity: CO11334
https://giveadogahome.rescuegroups.org/------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 03-23-2023 07:47 AM
From: Laura Ward
Subject: Programs with pet food companies for wholesale or discounted dog food for rescues
Hi-yes we are willling to upfront the cost of the truck (approx. $3500 is what we have been told) and then they can reinburse us once the food has been sold. They have also told us we need to pay for the workers. They are not willing at this point. There is another rescue in town that does get trucks on a limited basis, but they have a food contract and don't need it, so they pass often when one is available. We are located in Southern Nevada. Any insight would be helpful on what we can do.
------------------------------
Laura Ward
Foster Coordinator
A Path 4 Paws Dog Rescue
Original Message:
Sent: 03-23-2023 04:03 AM
From: Jenny Cope
Subject: Programs with pet food companies for wholesale or discounted dog food for rescues
Are you offering to front the cost of the full truck load? Several thousand dollars??
I am an ambassador for the GGC and it is several thousand dollars to get a delivery. Then it is a tremendous amount of work running the program.
Does the organization have their own equipment to unload the truck or do they have to hire someone, do they have storage space and so on.
Have you told them you are able to take all 24-39 pallets?
Its sad that you say they "claim" instead of respecting what they are telling you. Maybe speak with them to find out what you can do to make it possible for them to order another other truck load.
Or go to another GGC ambassador/distributor. They are all over just means you might have to travel, which for the cost is beyond worth it. If you are near Maine you are welcome to join our program.
Jen
------------------------------
Jenny Cope - Fear Free Certified
President/Founder
Give a Dog a Home Rescue
Greater Goods Charities - GOODS Program Ambassador
501c3 Non- Profit Corp, Tax ID/EIN 27-5241306
State of Maine Shelter/Rescue Licence # F1463
State of Maine Registered Charity: CO11334
https://giveadogahome.rescuegroups.org/
Original Message:
Sent: 03-22-2023 05:27 PM
From: Laura Ward
Subject: Programs with pet food companies for wholesale or discounted dog food for rescues
Hi-We are a medium size rescue and dog sanctuary and feed approximately 160 dogs per day. We have been lucky over the years to buy food from our local food bank from the Great Goods charity for 9cents a pound, but they have not gotten a truck in a very long time. They claim they don't have the funds to get it here (even though we offer to front the money). Does anyone have connections or ideas of companies that work with groups on getting deeply disounted dog food? We only use products with no corn or by products, so I know that cuts out some of the companies (Purina, Science Diet) I know shelters have contracts with companies, but what about rescues? Thanks!
#PetSupportServices*
------------------------------
Laura Ward
Foster Coordinator
A Path 4 Paws Dog Rescue
------------------------------