Animal food banks struggling with increased demand and increased costs

For many of us, our pets are family. But as the cost of living continues to rise, more and more animal lovers are having to turn to animal food banks to ensure their pets don’t go hungry.

Unfortunately, this time of heightened demand comes when non-profits like the Animal Food Bank are grappling with a lack of resources, brought on by inflation and its effect on what donors can give.

“It is the perfect storm again, just like it was in COVID.  Where we are seeing an increase in demand but now, we also have an increase in the cost of living for our donors, so we are in turn seeing a reduction in donations,” explained Nicole Frey, the founder of Animal Food Bank.

“Can you imagine going to make dinner and being like am I going to eat or is my pet going to eat?”

What began as a simple love of animals, has developed into a life-long mission for Frey. Since starting her non-profit in December 2019, Frey and her volunteers have provided nearly three million meals to animals in need. But with demand out-pacing resources and volunteers, she fears they may have to temporarily close their doors.

“My hope is that we don’t have to do that again but if this demand continues, it is likely that will be the result,” said Frey.

RELATED: Pet food bank at Winnipeg Humane Society helps families struggling with rising costs

What concerns Frey the most, is the fact that a large majority of her clients would be forced to give up their pets if they no longer could turn to the food bank for help, which in turn would only worsen the strain felt by local animal shelters, who are already contending with too many animals and not enough homes.

“You’re also preventing already overburdened animal shelters and rescues from having to take in animals that otherwise would have a home.  So we can allow them to focus on their mandate which is to help the non-wanted,” said Frey.

Joey Saindon is one of the AFB’s 800 clients here in Winnipeg and says his two cats Archie and Benny are like family. But unable to work full-time Saindon fears to think what would’ve happened to his furry companions if not for organizations like the Animal Food Bank.

“I love my animals, to be honest with you I would not be here without my animals,” said Saindon.

“If there was not a group with Nicole and her volunteers, I honestly would not be able to have my animals.”

While non-profits like the Animal Food Bank navigate these uncertain times, Frey is urging anyone interested in helping, to visit their website to learn more about how to donate and become a volunteer.