Organizing a Pet Food Bank

I've decided to organize a pet food bank in my community. I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing, but I know it's a good idea, and we need it. I'm in an area that has been hit particularly hard by the economy. I know when people are complaining about the price of groceries, affording pet food is a concern as well. Animals reduce stress, and provide unconditional love and acceptance. If someone needs a donation of pet food to get through a financial crisis, that is a much better solution than forcing them to surrender the animal to a shelter.

This idea has haunted me for a few weeks now, but it is starting to take form. At first I thought, "what can I do, as I'm basically living week to week myself?" Then I let the idea stew for a few days, and then decided to contact one of the largest food bank in my state to ask if they would even be willing to hand out pet food. Yes, they would be happy to. Once I realized I would have a place to distribute it, the ideas started flowing. I could have a pet food drive at work, in my neighborhood, and contact all the pet stores to see if I could put a donation bin in their business.

Petco and Petsmart are the two largest pet stores, and I would really love their help. I want them to work with me, but not sure how to approach them. So then I thought, why do this alone? Today I called the Humane Society in my state, who seemed incredibly receptive of the idea. Currently, they are not offering any pet food bank programs here, but would like to. The Humane Society said they will have a marketing rep contact me within a few days, and we can work together to try to make this happen.

We all like to help animals in our own way, but if this sounds like something you might be interested in, check if there are any existing pet food bank programs in your state. If so, you could organize a pet food drive. If not, you could always create a pet food bank program in your state.