Maine Humane (FKA the Maine Federation of Humane Societies) is a state-wide association that brings together professionals and community organizations that focus on companion animal welfare. With members from all over the state, their mission is to provide resources and opportunities, dedicated to promoting and advancing the humane care of all animals throughout the state of Maine.
One of their current priorities is to support the provision of pet food for pet food pantries throughout the state. Like with AWS and other groups like us, Maine Humane believes that pets are happiest at home with their people and thus wants to provide the resources needed to keep those pets and families together. One of these resources being the Maine Humane Pet Food Bank.
Pet Food Donation Program
The pet food donation program has been in the works for a while and has finally come to fruition. AWS’ own Abigail Smith (prior to her departure) and Jenn Danks were leaders in building the program, along with other Maine Humane board members and staff. The Maine Humane Pet Food Bank provides pet food makers and distributors an avenue to make large-scale donations (supported by the animal charity Greater Good) to one location in the state. So, a large warehouse in Augusta acts as a hub from which animal shelters, humane societies and animal control officers can access to bring food and supplies back to their communities.
The first Chewy delivery, as a test run, took place June 6th in which twenty-four pallets of food was delivered to the August warehouse. A team of animal welfare staff, volunteers, forklift officers, and State agency staff wasted no time unloading the 35,000 pounds (!!!) of food for distribution. Subsequent deliveries from Chewy and Royal Canin have each yielded between 35,000-45,000 pounds each. Maine Humane hopes to secure one delivery a month with a possible increase to twice a month in the future, as the need is far greater than the supply, even with this incredible program.
For reference, AWS’ own pet food pantry program in partnership with food pantries, distributes food throughout York County, provides about 30,000-35,000 pounds each year, so you can immediately see how impactful this program is, not just for AWS but for all animal welfare organizations and pet families throughout Maine.
Maine Humane says it best:
More food = more full bellies = more pets staying with the families who love them 🩷
