August 16, 2024
What Pet Food Banks Have Taught Me
Yesterday, we hosted our first-ever pop-up emergency pet food bank in partnership with our friends at the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre. Stationed right outside the centre, we served about 80 families and handed out more than 450 lbs of pet food in only three hours. Our team of three – a veterinary technician, an outreach coordinator, and a devoted volunteer – also provided free nail trims, pet health information, and essential supplies like leashes and collars. I expected to be elated. Instead, I am struck by the reality that, as successful as the day was, it barely made a dent.
The need for our Emergency Pet Food Bank has grown year-over-year. Unexpected crisis can impact anyone and leave them wondering where their next meal — or their pet’s — will come from. When we asked our community what the greatest issues were facing Ottawa’s pets and their people, pet affordability was the biggest concern.
Last year we distributed more than 40,000 lbs through the Emergency Pet Food Bank. This year, it will be much more. I’ve heard from many that they would give up a meal for themselves before letting their pets go hungry – a sentiment I know many of us share.
Providing food through this pop-up model puts us where people need us. We helped pet owners who haven’t been able to get pet food through our other locations. By breaking down this barrier, more pets can stay with the families who love them.
This is only a start. We need more pop-up events, and we need to do more than deliver food. Watch over the coming months as we announce more initiatives to help pet owners in need, in our community. Animals belong in homes with the people who love them. Thank you for making this possible.
Sharon Miko
President & CEO