The RSPCA has today announced its successful Pet Food Bank Partnership – which has two based in London – is to be rolled out across England to ‘ensure no community goes without’ as the cost of living crisis continues to impact those struggling to feed themselves and their pets.
The animal welfare charity has provided a staggering 1.6 million pet meals since the scheme was introduced in 2020 as part of a major drive to do everything possible to help keep those facing financial hardship together with their pets.
Among those who have benefited from using the pet food bank scheme is decorated army veteran Mark Smith (55), of Warrington, Cheshire, (pictured) who said had been a huge support to feed his beloved Cavachon dogs Charlie (a therapy dog to help Mark) and Teddy and urged others to use the service.
Mark, who served in Northern Ireland as a gunner then in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia as a private security contractor, said: “I am in a wheelchair now after a number of incidents including breaking my back during an abseiling incident which have left me injured and I also suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“I have been hit by explosions in Afghanistan and as well as the physical injuries I experienced, serving my country has also had a heavy mental toll on me and I suffer after the experiences of seeing some of my army pals killed in action in Northern Ireland.
“So we got Charlie and he was my therapy dog and was a superstar. If I had flashbacks he would jump on my shoulders and cry until I calmed down and it would bring me round and then we got Teddy as a companion for him.
“Both dogs, who are Cavachons, have benefitted from the food bank but sadly we lost Charlie a few months ago.”
Mark, pictured wearing his grandad’s medals on his right and his own on the left, added: “I used to feel a bit of shame going to get free food but really it isn’t a place where you are judged, everyone is very supportive – and it helps us out and we are grateful for that. I would urge others who are struggling to seek this help and support to help their beloved pets.”
The Pet Food Bank Partnership was set up as a pilot scheme in Lancashire in December 2020 as a result of financial pressures during the pandemic. It was so successful it expanded across the whole of the North of England and now supplies almost 140 foodbanks with meals and also issues veterinary vouchers to referred food bank clients to ensure pets can get any urgent care they need.
Now during 2024 – as the charity celebrates its 200th birthday – the number of established food banks is to expand across the rest of England with plans for more in London to help the growing number of pet owners in need of help. Already this year 15,400 dog meals and 27,270 cat meals have been provided to food bank users.
Three full time coordinators have been employed who will work with RSPCA branches, field officers, local charities and community groups to source more pet food supplies, offer support and develop more focal points where the donated pet food can be made available.
The new staff will also liaise with pet food manufacturers and other donors who provide the food for free or assist with the cost to ensure a constant supply to meet the increasing demand.
Alison Fletcher, RSPCA National Food Bank Coordinator (pictured), said: “Sadly our rescuers are often coming across people who are struggling to feed themselves and will actually go without food themselves so they can afford to feed their pets.
“We really don’t want anyone to be in this position and are doing all we can to help. Pets offer a major comfort to loving owners in challenging times and they shouldn’t feel forced to give them up – as they are members of the family – so we are providing what many users describe as a ‘lifeline’.
“Many pet owners who are struggling during the cost of living crisis have told us that their much-loved pets help them with their mental well-being so we are keen for them to retain ownership of their pets during these times of financial hardship.
“With the help of the public, we’ve been changing animals’ lives for two centuries, so it is really fitting that in our 200th birthday year we can announce this major expansion to ensure ‘no community goes without’.
“Our RSPCA inspectors, volunteers and branches will be working together to provide pet food directly to partner food banks that already reach those who need this help the most. And of course we couldn’t do it without the generous donations of food that we get. We also provide veterinary vouchers to food bank users to ensure pets can get any urgent care they need and events are also held to offer them much-needed financial support with veterinary bills and pet welfare advice.”
The charity is currently running a Crowdfunder project to support the RSPCA’s Pet Food Bank project. The winner will receive two tickets to see the London West End musical Wicked.
