Animal Welfare Professionals

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

Hi Lisa,

I oversee the Community Pet Pantry at San Diego Humane Society.  I don't have a lot of experience distributing to those with exotics or farm animals, but I've been supplying food to dog and cat owners for over 10 years. 

Our pantry is set up to meet the demand of a large city of mostly cat and dog owners and is presented as a supplemental service. We've had great success scaling up sustainably by repackaging our food and supplies into standardized portions. There's an added cost, but it helps set expectations for recipients, eases our data tracking, and allows us to brand the packaging.  When a person visits any of our pantries, they have the option to get an 8lb bag of dry dog food or a 4lb bag of dry cat food, 1-2 cans of wet food (depending on availability), litter if available, and a toy or treat if available. If someone has a cat and a dog in need, we ask them to pick dry for one and give wet for the other. Supplies are given on a per person basis, not per pet, so it makes data tracking easier when 1 bag always equals 1 person. Also, by portioning the supplies, it helps you predict how long your runway is.

We try to reduce any potential barriers to accessing supplies, so we don't ask questions and assume if they are at our pantry, then they are a person in need.  I would avoid a first come first serve approach where the pet owners depending on you don't know what to expect each time. I've found that even if the portions given are reduced for control, the community will appreciate a level of consistency, so they can factor what you're able to provide into their budgets and decide if it's worth their time.  

I have profound respect for you seeing the void left by your local foodbank closing, and taking action! If you want to talk further chat - qdoulgas-hiley@sdhumane.org

Quinn

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

We don't have a program, but we advertise that we help families in need. We use an honor system. 

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

Thanks Robin, 

We are planning to advertise in our local newspaper and through social media. I think the honor system is going to be the easiest way for us to get started

We don't have a program, but we advertise that we help families in need. We use an honor system. 

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

I would avoid making this more difficult and time-consuming for you. No appointments, just set days/times for first come, first served. And no paperwork other than a sign in sheet so you have some documents for your annual non-profit status reports. You could start out asking folks to show their SNAP, Medicaid or Medicare cards if you want to weed out grifters. Once you get to know your "regulars," that won't be necessary.  Also, if you have any unhoused folks encamped nearby, you could take a load of pet food there once a month.

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

Thanks Donna, 

I agree first come/first serve maybe once or twice a month will be the easiest. We could set a limit like someone else suggested so that no one person can take all the donations. A sign in sheet is a great idea. One of our board members suggested we do that as well and make a place on the sign in for people to check if they are interested in volunteering. Showing their snap or medicaid card is a good idea too. I hate to be skeptical of people but you never know. We really want to be able to help those that need it the most

I would avoid making this more difficult and time-consuming for you. No appointments, just set days/times for first come, first served. And no paperwork other than a sign in sheet so you have some documents for your annual non-profit status reports. You could start out asking folks to show their SNAP, Medicaid or Medicare cards if you want to weed out grifters. Once you get to know your "regulars," that won't be necessary.  Also, if you have any unhoused folks encamped nearby, you could take a load of pet food there once a month.

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

We operate a food pantry at our spay/neuter clinic. The food pantry is "open" only on certain days/times that we know are well staffed. The person in need is asked to bring in an ID. They do not need to "prove" anything (such as medicaid/snap, etc). However, we keep their information on file. Each person is allowed to get food once a month for 3 months, then they need to "Take a break." They are allowed to get food for 1 pet per month, and it is calculated based on the pet's weight. 

Thanks Donna, 

I agree first come/first serve maybe once or twice a month will be the easiest. We could set a limit like someone else suggested so that no one person can take all the donations. A sign in sheet is a great idea. One of our board members suggested we do that as well and make a place on the sign in for people to check if they are interested in volunteering. Showing their snap or medicaid card is a good idea too. I hate to be skeptical of people but you never know. We really want to be able to help those that need it the most

I would avoid making this more difficult and time-consuming for you. No appointments, just set days/times for first come, first served. And no paperwork other than a sign in sheet so you have some documents for your annual non-profit status reports. You could start out asking folks to show their SNAP, Medicaid or Medicare cards if you want to weed out grifters. Once you get to know your "regulars," that won't be necessary.  Also, if you have any unhoused folks encamped nearby, you could take a load of pet food there once a month.

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

Thank you Amber, We were thinking of limiting to three months in a row too. Everyone here has been so helpful! 

We operate a food pantry at our spay/neuter clinic. The food pantry is "open" only on certain days/times that we know are well staffed. The person in need is asked to bring in an ID. They do not need to "prove" anything (such as medicaid/snap, etc). However, we keep their information on file. Each person is allowed to get food once a month for 3 months, then they need to "Take a break." They are allowed to get food for 1 pet per month, and it is calculated based on the pet's weight. 

Thanks Donna, 

I agree first come/first serve maybe once or twice a month will be the easiest. We could set a limit like someone else suggested so that no one person can take all the donations. A sign in sheet is a great idea. One of our board members suggested we do that as well and make a place on the sign in for people to check if they are interested in volunteering. Showing their snap or medicaid card is a good idea too. I hate to be skeptical of people but you never know. We really want to be able to help those that need it the most

I would avoid making this more difficult and time-consuming for you. No appointments, just set days/times for first come, first served. And no paperwork other than a sign in sheet so you have some documents for your annual non-profit status reports. You could start out asking folks to show their SNAP, Medicaid or Medicare cards if you want to weed out grifters. Once you get to know your "regulars," that won't be necessary.  Also, if you have any unhoused folks encamped nearby, you could take a load of pet food there once a month.

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

Limits won't be needed, maybe. You'll have to see what your supply and demand ends up being once you get started. You can always warn folks in person that your supply is low and they can't rely on it every month or for very long. Get email and/or cell phone numbers on the sign-in sheet so you can blast messages to folks with updates on availability of food.

Thank you Amber, We were thinking of limiting to three months in a row too. Everyone here has been so helpful! 

We operate a food pantry at our spay/neuter clinic. The food pantry is "open" only on certain days/times that we know are well staffed. The person in need is asked to bring in an ID. They do not need to "prove" anything (such as medicaid/snap, etc). However, we keep their information on file. Each person is allowed to get food once a month for 3 months, then they need to "Take a break." They are allowed to get food for 1 pet per month, and it is calculated based on the pet's weight. 

Thanks Donna, 

I agree first come/first serve maybe once or twice a month will be the easiest. We could set a limit like someone else suggested so that no one person can take all the donations. A sign in sheet is a great idea. One of our board members suggested we do that as well and make a place on the sign in for people to check if they are interested in volunteering. Showing their snap or medicaid card is a good idea too. I hate to be skeptical of people but you never know. We really want to be able to help those that need it the most

I would avoid making this more difficult and time-consuming for you. No appointments, just set days/times for first come, first served. And no paperwork other than a sign in sheet so you have some documents for your annual non-profit status reports. You could start out asking folks to show their SNAP, Medicaid or Medicare cards if you want to weed out grifters. Once you get to know your "regulars," that won't be necessary.  Also, if you have any unhoused folks encamped nearby, you could take a load of pet food there once a month.

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

We also run a pet food pantry at our shelter. Can I ask how of your organizations obtain food. Right now we operate strictly by donations.

Limits won't be needed, maybe. You'll have to see what your supply and demand ends up being once you get started. You can always warn folks in person that your supply is low and they can't rely on it every month or for very long. Get email and/or cell phone numbers on the sign-in sheet so you can blast messages to folks with updates on availability of food.

Thank you Amber, We were thinking of limiting to three months in a row too. Everyone here has been so helpful! 

We operate a food pantry at our spay/neuter clinic. The food pantry is "open" only on certain days/times that we know are well staffed. The person in need is asked to bring in an ID. They do not need to "prove" anything (such as medicaid/snap, etc). However, we keep their information on file. Each person is allowed to get food once a month for 3 months, then they need to "Take a break." They are allowed to get food for 1 pet per month, and it is calculated based on the pet's weight. 

Thanks Donna, 

I agree first come/first serve maybe once or twice a month will be the easiest. We could set a limit like someone else suggested so that no one person can take all the donations. A sign in sheet is a great idea. One of our board members suggested we do that as well and make a place on the sign in for people to check if they are interested in volunteering. Showing their snap or medicaid card is a good idea too. I hate to be skeptical of people but you never know. We really want to be able to help those that need it the most

I would avoid making this more difficult and time-consuming for you. No appointments, just set days/times for first come, first served. And no paperwork other than a sign in sheet so you have some documents for your annual non-profit status reports. You could start out asking folks to show their SNAP, Medicaid or Medicare cards if you want to weed out grifters. Once you get to know your "regulars," that won't be necessary.  Also, if you have any unhoused folks encamped nearby, you could take a load of pet food there once a month.

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

I live just outside of Dallas, Texas and we get bulk food at a discount through Greater Good Charities.  

https://greatergood.org/goods

Looks like they have operations all over the US.

We also run a pet food pantry at our shelter. Can I ask how of your organizations obtain food. Right now we operate strictly by donations.

Limits won't be needed, maybe. You'll have to see what your supply and demand ends up being once you get started. You can always warn folks in person that your supply is low and they can't rely on it every month or for very long. Get email and/or cell phone numbers on the sign-in sheet so you can blast messages to folks with updates on availability of food.

Thank you Amber, We were thinking of limiting to three months in a row too. Everyone here has been so helpful! 

We operate a food pantry at our spay/neuter clinic. The food pantry is "open" only on certain days/times that we know are well staffed. The person in need is asked to bring in an ID. They do not need to "prove" anything (such as medicaid/snap, etc). However, we keep their information on file. Each person is allowed to get food once a month for 3 months, then they need to "Take a break." They are allowed to get food for 1 pet per month, and it is calculated based on the pet's weight. 

Thanks Donna, 

I agree first come/first serve maybe once or twice a month will be the easiest. We could set a limit like someone else suggested so that no one person can take all the donations. A sign in sheet is a great idea. One of our board members suggested we do that as well and make a place on the sign in for people to check if they are interested in volunteering. Showing their snap or medicaid card is a good idea too. I hate to be skeptical of people but you never know. We really want to be able to help those that need it the most

I would avoid making this more difficult and time-consuming for you. No appointments, just set days/times for first come, first served. And no paperwork other than a sign in sheet so you have some documents for your annual non-profit status reports. You could start out asking folks to show their SNAP, Medicaid or Medicare cards if you want to weed out grifters. Once you get to know your "regulars," that won't be necessary.  Also, if you have any unhoused folks encamped nearby, you could take a load of pet food there once a month.

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

We also run a pet food pantry at our shelter. Can I ask how of your organizations obtain food. Right now we operate strictly by donations.

------------------------------
Anne Enright
Capital Area Humane Society

Original Message:
Sent: 03-16-2023 02:11 PM
From: Donna Miller
Subject: Starting a pet food bank at our sanctuary for our community

Limits won't be needed, maybe. You'll have to see what your supply and demand ends up being once you get started. You can always warn folks in person that your supply is low and they can't rely on it every month or for very long. Get email and/or cell phone numbers on the sign-in sheet so you can blast messages to folks with updates on availability of food.

------------------------------
Donna Miller
Happy Stripes, cat rescue in Ohio

Original Message:
Sent: 03-16-2023 11:23 AM
From: Lisa Burns
Subject: Starting a pet food bank at our sanctuary for our community

Thank you Amber, We were thinking of limiting to three months in a row too. Everyone here has been so helpful! 

------------------------------
Lisa Burns
founder/VP
Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary Inc

Original Message:
Sent: 03-16-2023 10:35 AM
From: AMBER LEE
Subject: Starting a pet food bank at our sanctuary for our community

We operate a food pantry at our spay/neuter clinic. The food pantry is "open" only on certain days/times that we know are well staffed. The person in need is asked to bring in an ID. They do not need to "prove" anything (such as medicaid/snap, etc). However, we keep their information on file. Each person is allowed to get food once a month for 3 months, then they need to "Take a break." They are allowed to get food for 1 pet per month, and it is calculated based on the pet's weight. 

------------------------------
AMBER LEE
Mountain View Humane

Original Message:
Sent: 03-16-2023 10:21 AM
From: Lisa Burns
Subject: Starting a pet food bank at our sanctuary for our community

Thanks Donna, 

I agree first come/first serve maybe once or twice a month will be the easiest. We could set a limit like someone else suggested so that no one person can take all the donations. A sign in sheet is a great idea. One of our board members suggested we do that as well and make a place on the sign in for people to check if they are interested in volunteering. Showing their snap or medicaid card is a good idea too. I hate to be skeptical of people but you never know. We really want to be able to help those that need it the most

------------------------------
Lisa Burns
founder/VP
Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary Inc

Original Message:
Sent: 03-16-2023 10:11 AM
From: Donna Miller
Subject: Starting a pet food bank at our sanctuary for our community

I would avoid making this more difficult and time-consuming for you. No appointments, just set days/times for first come, first served. And no paperwork other than a sign in sheet so you have some documents for your annual non-profit status reports. You could start out asking folks to show their SNAP, Medicaid or Medicare cards if you want to weed out grifters. Once you get to know your "regulars," that won't be necessary.  Also, if you have any unhoused folks encamped nearby, you could take a load of pet food there once a month.

------------------------------
Donna Miller
Happy Stripes, cat rescue in Ohio

Original Message:
Sent: 03-13-2023 09:59 AM
From: Lisa Burns
Subject: Starting a pet food bank at our sanctuary for our community

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!

#PetSupportServices*

------------------------------
Lisa Burns
founder/VP
Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary Inc
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Limits won't be needed, maybe. You'll have to see what your supply and demand ends up being once you get started. You can always warn folks in person that your supply is low and they can't rely on it every month or for very long. Get email and/or cell phone numbers on the sign-in sheet so you can blast messages to folks with updates on availability of food.

Thank you Amber, We were thinking of limiting to three months in a row too. Everyone here has been so helpful! 

We operate a food pantry at our spay/neuter clinic. The food pantry is "open" only on certain days/times that we know are well staffed. The person in need is asked to bring in an ID. They do not need to "prove" anything (such as medicaid/snap, etc). However, we keep their information on file. Each person is allowed to get food once a month for 3 months, then they need to "Take a break." They are allowed to get food for 1 pet per month, and it is calculated based on the pet's weight. 

Thanks Donna, 

I agree first come/first serve maybe once or twice a month will be the easiest. We could set a limit like someone else suggested so that no one person can take all the donations. A sign in sheet is a great idea. One of our board members suggested we do that as well and make a place on the sign in for people to check if they are interested in volunteering. Showing their snap or medicaid card is a good idea too. I hate to be skeptical of people but you never know. We really want to be able to help those that need it the most

I would avoid making this more difficult and time-consuming for you. No appointments, just set days/times for first come, first served. And no paperwork other than a sign in sheet so you have some documents for your annual non-profit status reports. You could start out asking folks to show their SNAP, Medicaid or Medicare cards if you want to weed out grifters. Once you get to know your "regulars," that won't be necessary.  Also, if you have any unhoused folks encamped nearby, you could take a load of pet food there once a month.

We have a 501c3 nonprofit farm and exotic animal sanctuary in rural Florida. Recently our community's food bank had to close their doors. I spoke with the founder of the food bank who told me the # one requested item from the community was pet food so they could keep their pets. We've decided to start a pet food bank at our sanctuary. We will offer cat and dog food to families who may be having temporary financial difficulties so they can keep their pets at home. Our main focus though, will be to offer free, pet food for pocket/exotic pets and farm animals (such as rabbits, pigs, horses).  We already have a local dog rescue on board who will be donating their overstock dog food that they can't use, a local pet store who has set up a donation box in their store and another local company who will be offereing deep discounts of pet food for our program. We are still in the planning stages and have a storage building coming in to house the feed. 

My questions are for anyone who has started such a program or worked with a pet food bank, do you have those in need fill out an application or do you use the honor system? Do you limit the number of months a person can receive help? Do you offer a first come first serve on a specific day or set up individual appointments?   Thanks in advance!