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SPCA, Volunteer Way Undertake Pet Food Program

Jessica Bair/SUNCOAST

BEAR this tiger cat about 3 years old, who is waiting to be adopted, eats from his dish at the SPCA Suncoast in New Port Richey. The animal shelter has paired with the Volunteer Way Food Bank in creating the “Animeals” food assistance program for pet owners.

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By Jessica  Bair | The Suncoast News

Published: November 17, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - It's that time of year again, when many communities hold holiday food drives and fundraisers for needy families.

But many times these families' pets get left out of the much-needed nourishment donations – until now.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Suncoast has paired with its neighbor on Congress Street, the Volunteer Way food bank, for a new "Animeals" food assistance program for pet owners.

The Volunteer Way is a nonprofit agency that takes food donations and distributes them back into the community for low-income seniors and families. The Volunteer Way is also a distribution point for other food banks in the region.

Under the food bank's charter, it is restricted to redistributing "food for human consumption" only. So what is a food bank to do with all of the dog and cat food it receives from generous donors?
Look just a few doors to the south, to the 44-year-old SPCA Suncoast's headquarters and shelter.

The two organizations are teaming up to make sure donated food items are reaching those people – and pets – that need them most.

"It only makes sense that the people who are having a hard time buying food for their families are also going to need help getting food for their pets too," says Martha Murray, SPCA director.
"This is a great way for us to work together to help both humans and animals all at once," Murray says. "It's a win-win situation."

Families who receive food at the Volunteer Way can now take a voucher to the SPCA shelter, where they will be able to collect sustenance for their pet pals.

The SPCA will return the favor to the food bank by including pet food items in the "Brown Bag" parcels the food bank delivers to home-bound seniors and low income families.

The SPCA Suncoast will also participate in the Volunteer Way food bank's annual Thanksgiving dinner for the hungry.

Murray will be on site today, Saturday, 11 a.m., at First Assembly of God Church, 6310 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey. She will help serve hot meals and distribute Thanksgiving, take-home "doggy bags" for the pets of the people receiving the meals.

For details on the "Animeals" program, contact Murray at 727-849-1048 or drop by the shelter during regular business hours, noon to 6 p.m. , every day of the week.

For additional information on how to qualify for assistance from Volunteer Way food bank or donations, contact Martha O'Brien, its assistant chief executive officer, at 727- 815-0433 or e-mail.

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