Bring Light: Free Pet Food Bank

PROJECT

Free Pet Food Bank

Santa Cruz SPCA

Ensuring that our community's companion animals never go hungry is one of the most basic, and most critical, aspects of animal welfare.

Heather’s Pet Food Bank regularly distributes over 7,000 pounds of food a month to economically challenged and senior pet owners. With the economy in a recession, this special program is helping many families cope with enormously difficult times.

Number of Donations: 7 | Posted 11 months ago


	Donate

51% Raised

Target: $500.00
Raised so far: $255.00

The Charity

Santa Cruz SPCA

Promoting respect and reverence for all.

Bring Light Activity

16 Donors

23 Projects since September, 2008

19 Active Projects since April, 2009

Charity Info

Based in: Santa Cruz, California

Year founded: 1938

More Info »

Project Info

As the numbers rise of animals surrendered to shelters due to foreclosure and other economic factors, the SPCA struggles to find ways for pet owners to keep their beloved companions. One of the solutions has been Heather’s Pet Food Bank, a ten year old program which is now the largest and longest running in the nation, according to Bark Magazine. The food bank distributes thousands of pounds of pet food monthly to seniors, low income people and anyone who has fallen on tough times. . To reduce surrenders and ensure that no pet goes hungry, the SPCA is giving dog and cat food to anyone who needs it, as well counseling pet owners on proper nutrition for their pet and providing information on free and low cost spay and neuter programs.

With the economy in recession, animals are turned in at a higher rate than ever, and even more families are faced with the heartbreaking prospect of giving up their pets because they can no longer afford to keep them.

“Most of the people who come in for food now have never had to ask for help in their lives. They’ve lost jobs, homes, investments. They’re ashamed to take the free food, so we are always as welcoming and friendly as possible. Many of them were donors who now need help.” said SPCA employee Sarah Eryavec “One person who came in last week hadn’t been paid in over a month, but had been with her employer for over 20 years and didn’t want to leave them unstaffed during such a tough time. She was crying and promising to donate the food back as soon as times got better.”

If you can't make a monetary donation, we gratefully accept all pet food donations, so don’t throw away that opened bag of food that your finicky cat won’t eat. We will re-distribute it to pets in need.

How to make a food donation: Drop off any donations of pet food at the Santa Cruz SPCA during any of our open hours. We are located at 2685 Chanticleer Avenue and are open Tuesday – Friday 11am-6pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am – 5pm.

Our food bank is open every Friday from 4-6pm at the Santa Cruz SPCA.

Comments

Sarah E. wrote:

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far.

Last Friday we had our largest turnout yet for the pet food bank. Employees and volunteers were swamped as we scrambled to pass out food to all of those in need.

If you haven't yet, PLEASE make a donation! This program is so vital, yet it's incredibly difficult for us to maintain it with our limited funding.

Posted 4 months ago