Food bank for pets in appeal for donations

MORE PEOPLE ARE NEEDING HELP FEEDING THEIR ANIMALS

AN appeal for pet food donations has been issued as owners struggle to feed their animals in the cost of living crisis.

The RSPCA’s Food Bank Project in Greater Manchester has issued the appeal as the scheme comes under increasing demand due to current pressures.

The animal welfare charity set-up the scheme in December 2021 in Lancashire as a result of financial pressures during the pandemic.

However, the Coronavirus crisis coupled with the current cost of living increase has seen the need for the food bank increase now more than ever.

More than 20 RSPCA centres and branches have now teamed up with their local food bank across the north of England. The scheme aims to reach 110 food banks by the end of next year to provide help to the public and reduce animal abandonment. In the first quarter of 2022, the RSPCA distributed double the pet food from the previous year to help meet demand.

Inspector for Manchester and food bank project officer, Deborah Beats, said: “We are in desperate need for pet food donations at the minute as the current demand for the food bank scheme is very high.

“Sadly, it seems as though the cost of living increase means that more people are struggling to afford to feed their pets and are relying on the food banks more and more.”

Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) and Manchester food bank project officer, Helen Chapman, added: “We are now bracing for an influx of abandoned pets or owners who have to give them up because they can no longer afford to keep them but we hope that through the food bank we will be able to provide some support to people and their much-loved pets.”

So far this year, between January and May, the food bank scheme has delivered more than 100 pet food bundles to its partner food banks across the north of England – but more food is now desperately needed.

If you would like to support the scheme please take pet food donations to RSPCA Bury, Oldham & District Branch, The Strinesdale Centre, Holgate Street, Oldham, OL4 2JW. Donations welcomed every Friday between 10am and 3pm.

Or alternatively, donate via their Amazon wishlist.

Please specify pet food for the food bank when donating, or place in the designated storage containers where available.

There is a particular need for wet cat and dog food, as well as small bags of cat and dog dried food of 5kg or below.