Food bank scheme helps keep pets and people together

Two RSPCA branches have teamed up with their local food bank to provide pet food to vulnerable owners during the covid-19 outbreak.

Pet Business World reports that more than one million people have applied for universal credit since the shutdown began. Many are turning to food banks for assistance and many will also be pet owners. The RSPCA understands that people may be worried about continuing to care for their much-loved pets during this period, and two branches in London decided to do something to help.

The Wimbledon food bank has joined forces with RSPCA Wimbledon, Wandsworth & Sutton branch as well as the RSPCA Balham & Tooting branch, forming an RSPCA ‘pet food bank team’.

Supporters

The team will deliver pet food to those who need it and are calling on supporters to help fund the initiative.

Ali Hellewell of the Wimbledon, Wandsworth & Sutton branch said: “Even in the midst of a pandemic we are a nation of animal lovers and the food bank has seen people in difficult times who have chosen to feed their pets over feeding themselves, which shows why this service is so important.

“We cannot do this alone, however, which is why we are asking animal lovers to donate to help us get pet food to those who need it the most.”

Jon Featherstone, chair of the Wimbledon food bank, said: “We are currently providing three days of food packages for up to 150 people a day and we estimate that around 20% of those are pet owners. We are keen to help people stay with their pets, who often provide much needed emotional support through this difficult time.”

(Story source: Pet Business World)