Animal Food Bank In Need of Community Support

By Nicole Frey

The Medicine Hat Animal Food Bank is a volunteer operated organization providing pet food and supplies to pets of the homeless, low-income and those facing financial hardship. With the current state of the economy, and rising cost of living, demand has doubled for their services in 2024. With over 260 human clients, and 650 pet clients, many members of our community (even the furry kind) depend on the Animal Food Bank. Unfortunately, donations are down – way down – and the branch is struggling to meet need.

We’ve seen need for our services double already in 2024 – with our team of volunteers dealing with over sixty requests for help a month, assisting over 150 pets a month. Unfortunately, for the first time since operation, we are faced with not being able to help these pets because we have run out of dry dog food

The Animal Food Bank provides a lifeline for many by supplying pet food to owners unable to afford it. Without this help, 71% of their clients would face the tough choice between feeding themselves or their pets. Moreover, 64% might have to surrender their pets. Our role is preventative. By keeping pets fed, we help maintain the integrity of the family unit and relieve local shelters from having to accommodate surrenders, many of which are already at or over capacity. This is good for the pet, and their human.

In hearing of the need, four local dealerships have sprung into action. The "Trans Canada Way Dealer Pet Chow Showdown"is a pet food drive event running until May 15th, 2024. Four local car dealerships are competing to collect the most pet food donations with a goal of collecting 5,000 lbs of food. Community members are encouraged to stop by one of the participating dealerships between now and May 15th and drop off pet food or supplies for local pets in need. The General Manager from the losing dealership having to drive a car from the winning dealership for a day. It’s a fun way for the community to support pets in need, and their favorite dealership. (link to the event is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/978201090758351)
  
The Animal Food Bank’s operations rely on volunteer support and community donations. Interested individuals can join the effort by dropping off a donation at a participating dealership, volunteering for deliveries or other tasks or dropping of pet food or supplies to one of our drop off locations in the city. Donations are also crucial and can be made directly through the AFB's website at animalfoodbank.org.
In March alone, our Animal Food Bank saved local shelters and rescue groups over $35,000 in costs, by preventing the unnecessary surrender of happy, loved pets. Our services compliment the efforts of local shelters and rescues by allowing them to focus their limited resources on animals without homes.
 
Donate or find drop off locations here: animalfoodbank.org
Volunteer here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4717864674919650.