Last month, I wrote about organizing a pet food bank. I've decided to do a follow up on this, as I was contacted by a large pet food bank with additional information on starting a pet food bank. The Pet Food Bank has been helping to feed animals in need for over 10 years in Southern California and Mexico, and said they would be happy to provide suggestions to anyone who is interested in doing the same. They we're kind enough to write a condensed version at my request, on how someone could go about starting a pet food bank. They said,
Sure...I can do that. It is more involved than people suspect. Maybe I should just put it in a recipe form. If they need more info...they can contact me.
In order to start a pet food bank: Decide on who will qualify for food, rescues or individuals. If individuals, require volunteer time in exchange for food. If rescues, ask a donation to cover costs. (gas, insurance, storage, etc.) Obtain non-profit status (501-c3). Once established, contact manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of pet food. Have a truck or van to pick up and deliver. Warehouse storage for the food. Volunteers. Forklift and pallet jack. Tape guns, box openers, trash bags, shelves. About 60 hours per week to operate the food bank.
Hopefully this gives you a little insight to the work involved. In our organization, no one is paid...it is all volunteer. It is a very dirty job, and not very glamorous. If people want to work with animals..this is not for them. It is more like working in a warehouse. But if they can look at the big picture and realize how this helps feed many homeless animals it will fill their soul. Last year we moved over 1,000,000 lbs. of donated food to animal rescues. Lots of tails are wagging because of us. That is reward enough.
Good luck! :-)
Renee
The Pet Food Bank
That's how to start a pet food bank in a big way! If that seems overwhelming, in my case, I just found a local human food bank that was willing to hand out pet food, and held a pet food drive at my job. Whether you decide to do something on a small scale, or start a huge non-profit organization, it's all up to you.
