Pet Food

 

 

Like anyone who has been “adopted” by their furry kids, the clients of Elk Grove Food Bank love their pets.  For some of our clients, their pet is their only source of companionship.  As more families struggle with the difficult choices of paying the rent or buying food, some are forced to choose between keeping their pet and putting food on the table.

For families that can't afford to feed their pets, the consequences are greater than just an empty stomach. When families must choose what to cut from their grocery lists, pets often suffer the most. Families can be torn apart, simply because there's not enough money to buy pet food. Consequently, many family pets will be surrendered to already overburdened shelters, and many more will be abandoned.

Sometimes a simple bowl of kibble is the force that keeps a family together and saves the lives of precious pets. Helping families stay together and keep their pets during times of economic hardship is crucial, not only for the family but also for our community. Like humans, animals deserve the basic necessities in life.

If you are able, please consider donating pet food (cat or dog) to Elk Grove Food Bank Services.  The hungry pets in our community and their families thank you. 

 We are open to accept donations Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Elk Grove Food Bank Services, 9820 Dino Drive, Suite 140, Elk Grove, CA  95624, 916-685-8453

 

Mobile Pantry at Seasons Apartments

Jeff, Dale and Thieu unload food boxes for distribution.

Every third Wednesday, we pack up boxes of food and personal items and transport them to our clients at the Seasons apartments on Bilby Road.  We bring these items to serve our senior clients who are without transportation to our Dino Drive facility. 

Mauryne assists Rosa in keeping track of clients in the program,

and making reminder calls prior to delivery day. 

 Mauryne Dean is our volunteer contact at the Seasons.  Mauryne is a graduate of our Support Works program. Her mentor and other volunteers assisted her in her move out of a difficult housing situation and move into the Seasons. 

Mauryne told me of how she and her neighbors look forward to our deliveries.  "They forgot to put the Mobile Pantry on this month's calendar of events.  Everyone was concerned that your program was cancelled." 

Darrell makes sure that each food box contains fresh produce. 

Our caseworker, Renee, visited with our clients and let them know what kind of services Elk Grove Food Bank Services provides besides food and clothing.  Renee was so touched by the number of seniors and their interest in receiving help, that she will accompany the Mobile Pantry next month. 

I unloaded a food box to see what was in there. 

I also spoke with one of our clients, Rosemarie.  She said that she had been receiving our supplemental food boxes for about a year and was very thankful.  Rosemarie said, "The extra food makes a difference, I can make it to the end of each month."  She also appreciated the type of food she receives, "I don't cook.  The pots and pans are too heavy for me."

This month we included a "goody bag" full of personal hygiene products. 

 Our clients lined up to receive their food

The next time a looked up, the line was longer.

A grateful client slipped Rosa this thank you note: 

Dear Food Bank Staff,
It's never too late to "Thank You" for all your help!  I never take nothing for granted in life because life changes daily. 

These brown bag boxes are precious to me.  I'm usually eating the last of my reserves and then like magic the box arrives and its like a Christmas morning surprise.  Who would think that a roll of toilet paper would bring a smile to my face. 

Thank you from my heart.....

After the able-bodies clients come downstairs to pick up their food boxes, Jeff and Darrell made deliveries to the shut ins.  These two caring volunteers spend time with each client, making sure that things are ok. 

Rosa brought pet food for our clients' furry companions

This month we served 62 households (86 individuals), with two households on the waiting list.  Part of this program is funded by a grant from Kaiser Permanente's Sacramento Valley Community Benefit program. 

Elk Grove Food Bank Services

Mobile Pantry at the Seasons

Every Third Wednesday of the Month

Pet Food Drive - Overwhelming Success!

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel toward our community. We made our concerns known about the growing need our clients have for help to feed and keep their beloved household pets. The "Think, Shop, Live Elk Grove" committee organized a Pet Food Drive last Saturday with incredible results. More than 15,000 pounds of pet food were donated, surpassing our goal of 2,500 pounds. This is a true reflection of the spirit and generosity of our community and donors.

Pet Food Distribution works like our Emergency Food Distribution. Eligibility requirements are here.

The pet food was donated locally to assist our Elk Grove neighbors in need, and we will distribute only to those in our service area.

Our busy volunteers have already repackaged some of the kibble for distribution.

Recognize these bins? We will use them as covered storage for our repackaged pet food. Our organized volunteers labeled each bag, so your cat and/or dog will get suitable kibble.


We thank all of the community support and volunteers. Your donation of pet food, funds and volunteer hours will enable us to serve hungry pets in our community. Some of the businesses and organizations who supported our efforts:

Elk Grove Citizen, Jackson Properties, Elk Grove Police Department Animal Services, Petsmart, SPCA, Allied Waste and Total Logistics Services.


Sometimes a simple bowl of kibble is the force that keeps a family together and saves the lives of the pets they love. Thank you.