Should food banks...?

Question

Should food banks...?

Answer 1

Sure, why not? It seems like all dog food prices are increasing, and I am sure if food banks carried it, it could be of use to many people.



I know that I will be switching my dogs to a lesser quality food in the near future because of the economy. With everything going on, I can't justify spending as much as I do currently, on dog food. Nothing wrong with that.

Answer 2

If it's within their means, yes. I think it's an excellent idea. However, it shouldn't come at the cost of cutting back on resources to feed humans either. It'd be nice if there were food banks specifically for pets, but I'm not sure that's likely to happen.

Answer 3

Many food banks DO distribute pet food.

Answer 4

I think it depends a lot on how the food bank gets its resources. Is it personal donations, corporate donations, government supplied? I don't know for sure how each one operates.



I think that they do have pet food if it is donated...but I am not sure. I think that ideally, they would have pet food for those who need it, but truth be told, human needs should be met before canine needs. If there were enough food to feed all of the hungry people, then having dog food for the family pet would be a great additional donation. Food banks in my area typically run out of food most of the time. It would be a tough pill to swallow if you were starving, showed up to the food bank and they were handing out pedigree for the dogs while you had nothing.

Answer 5

In some cities, like Atlanta, there are food banks specifically for pets. We have Daffy's Pet Soup Kitchen here that offers pet food to owners who are unable to provide food for their pets. This helps avoid the staving to death or being given up to a shelter, where most pets will inevitably be euthanized.

Answer 6

It's a pretty cheap way to keep animals in their homes and out of shelters, particularly when the need is short-term, as it is for many people. Lots of people go through a rough patch and just need short-term help until they get a job and get a paycheck going.



The food banks in our area largely get their donations from pet food companies and sometimes individuals and other animal non-profits.

Answer 7

Our food bank does have pet food. It's the only thing I will donate now except baby food and formula as i know too many adults who are either too lazy to work or collect benefits and then go to the casino/race track. I have seen them myself.



Sadly our food bank will only let you have pet food 3 times though. Then you are on your own. I know of some who will only let you have it once. I asked why this is and they say they don't want people donating pet food instead of human food as if people can;t afford pets they should not have them. While I agree with this in theory I do know genuine people who really can;t find work and will go without food themselves to feed their dogs. When i was told this I went back with more dog food. I would rather feed a hungry dog than a lazy person who refuses to work.



I know many genuine cases use food banks to survive, but for me the few have made it bad for them.



Edit: Randee I totally agree with you. I have nothing at all against helping those in genuine need. I do a lot for people whom I know truly need help. I would give my last to anyone who needed it more and I have.



Anyone who would rather actually rather work for minimum wage when they know they could get more on benefits to me are the ones who should get the help first.



Maybe I have became bitter against benefit people when I see people like ex near neighbours of mine who had a new car every few years went on European vacations every year had 6 kids and got a raise every time they had another one, but both would proudly tell you they had never worked a day in their lives nor did they intend to. They worked their vacations around signing days so as they never lost benefit and went to the food banks every week just because they could. Now those are the sort of people I refuse to help.



Babies and kids can't keep themselves. Neither can dogs and cats. I will take stuff to the food bank for them. People I know are coping their best and working their butts off may well from time to time find a large basket of groceries on their porch from me. They just don't know it's me. That way I know I support those who really need it. Not the ones I will see at the track each time there is racing and in the casino on other nights. It happens. Yes it's wrong and they need help. They will never look for it as long as there is a get out of taking responsiblity free pass though.

Answer 8

It should, yes.



I also think the rules to which you can access such funds and banks should be changed. All the wrong people are getting coverage, and the people who need it aren't.



Mr. Smith with a Mercedes doesn't want to pay for his families dinner, so he goes on stamps or has access to all government funds.



But little ole me can't afford to pay the bills because of wage cuts, and I go in and apply, and they tell me I make too much!

Answer 9

Food banks stock surplus provided by distributors, government commodities, and what stores are willing to donate. Most pet food donations come from stores with ripped bags, dented cans, etc. These typically go to animal rescues, shelters, etc.

Unfortunately I don't think food banks can or should handle pet foods, but people on assistance can supplement dog food with things like rice, leftover table scraps that are appropriate for animals. Also, there are animal rescues out there that can take animals in need that won't kill.

We're looking into alternatives on dog food due to money and economy. In the end, I think we all need to work together as neighbors rather than depend on agencies to pull us out of this.

Answer 10

I think to a point they should. While I know the unemployment rate is rapidly increasing, yet stabilizing as people give up looking for jobs, I believe that a human's needs need to be met first. Food banks run out of food quite often, and like Amerz said, imagine going in and all they have is dog food. I've seen many people traveling that I'm sure would be more than happy with a bag of dog food for themselves and that seems so wrong to me.



I live in an area where religion plays a big role in may people's lives and while many people don't agree with their religious practices, I have to say the LDS is the most giving religious community I've encountered when it comes to helping out people who are struggling. Not only do they provide food and support for members, they also own huge donations for natural disaster victims and I know for a fact pet food is gladly accepted.



I also want to point out that not everyone who is poor is lazy or has a gambling addicting (which by the way is a huge problem mentally and takes serious help). My boyfriends mom works 50+ hrs a week to support her family and gets help from the LDS church. I would definitely not call her lazy, especially since she works at a hospital and is always on call. Minimum wage in my state is $6. Average rent for an apartment is over $600. Sorry but there is no way for some people to make ends meet, no matter how hard they work. I wouldn't call it lazy.



It's our responsibility to make sure others get looked after properly, whether they're animals or other people.







Sorry for preaching :)

Answer 11

It would be wonderful if food banks could help people with pets. Some do. The shelters are already overloaded and a record number of dogs are paying for our economic problems.

We are doing everything we can to save as many as we can but we do not have enough funding to save them all. I volunteer for a no kill rescue and it is frightening how many wonderful dogs are in trouble. Donate to your local shelter or rescue if you can. A 40lb bag of dog food can only feed about 30 dogs for 2 days.

Answer 12

I have seen many food banks in which they do allow pet food. I think it is great! Outside my local food store, they have a "donate food" bin and also have a "donate dog/cat food". It's wonderul to see the bags of dog and cat food in there. Also, once in a while you will see few nice toys thrown in there as well (they are usually from me)

Answer 13

That's not a bad idea. Pets are part of the family too. I hear some older folks eat dog & cat food.

Answer 14

None of the food banks around here distribute pet food. All though I think they should

Answer 15

when i have to start going to the food bank. rover is going to supplement my protein intake.

Answer 16

Nice thought, but your living in hippie town or petaville if you think people are going to donate pet food to food banks. The average american has a hard enough time putting food on their own table.



Sucks but times are tough all over