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When struggling households face food insecurity, it is more likely that their [FAMs] Furry Family members face hunger too, leading to animal malnutrition starvation, abandonment or surrender due to lack of the ability to care for them during financial hardships..
Food Insecurity Affects
Everyone in the Household, including Dogs & Cats...
"NUTRITION ONE: A Supplemental Nutrition Program for Hand & Paw"...
No Hand nor Paw should ever go Hungry. We provide nutritional meals for Furry Members of Society working with Local Food Banks.
FAMs
[ fur·ry + (fa)m·i·ly + mem·ber ] noun: furry members of society: Not identified as" PETS or property."
doordash
NUTRITION
ONE
A Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Cats & Dogs.
GREATERGOODS
CHARITIES
Welcome, let's get to know each other...
OUR MISSION
"Our mission is to combat food insecurity by addressing its root causes, ensuring that no individual or companion animal in our communities goes hungry. We provide comprehensive services aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of both humans and their companion animals, fostering a strong bond where neither Hand nor Paw should ever go hungry. We are committed to providing access to nutritious food and clean water, as well as creating environments that are free from discomfort, illness, and fear. Through proactive measures and compassionate care, we strive to empower individuals and their beloved companions to lead healthy, fulfilling lives, thereby strengthening the fabric of our communities.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to empower communities by helping to ensure access to healthy essential food and resources while promoting health and wellness. We aim to promote the inclusion of animal nutritional needs within other food pantry distribution systems, recognizing the vital role animals play in enhancing the mental well-being of individuals, which include but are not limited to the disabled and elderly individuals living independently. Together, we strive to prevent hunger, foster companionship, and enrich lives. Additionally, we partner with healthcare institutions and food banks to ensure the well-being of humans, especially those with medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, whose dietary needs may differ. While many food banks provide meals, it's essential to address specific dietary requirements related to medical conditions to support overall health.
WHO WE ARE
RESCUES ON85TH, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit based in Birmingham, Alabama, serves Jefferson County by offering free human and animal food supplies to struggling households experiencing food insecurity. Partnering with organizations such as the Birmingham Humane Society, DoorDash, and United Way 211, as well as local agencies, charities, and veterinarians, we extend our reach throughout the community. Through acquiring bulk supplies from various retailers, organizations, and agencies, we can provide this essential service both through our mobile operations and our virtual food bank. Every donation, regardless of size, greatly contributes to our cause, supporting our volunteer-based mobile service. Together, we make a difference—it's all about rescuing on 85th.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Our vision is to redefine the name "Pets" as cherished into the name "Family Members (FAMs)" who are vital contributors to society. We advocate for equal treatment, including food, shelter, medical care, burial assistance, and tax credit incentives, recognizing their invaluable role in our lives. We aim to shift the perspective, viewing animals not as objects but as lives worth saving, caring for, and providing unconditional love, mirroring the affection they give to us. Through this re-identification, we seek to alleviate animal abuse, mistreatment, increase awareness of value as a family member thus enhance the well-being.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
At RESCUES ON85TH, we not only offer the "Nutrition One" (N1) program but also provide a delivery service tailored for elderly and disabled individuals who lack transportation, ensuring they receive essential supplies for their beloved animal companions. Additionally, we extend our support to the homeless, offering resources to assist them in transitioning off the streets with their cherished pets and into stable housing. Recognizing that homeless individuals often choose to remain on the streets rather than surrender their companions, as they find animals more trustworthy than people, we advocate for shelters to embrace animals, preventing surrenders and guaranteeing every animal receives the care they deserve. Through collaboration with community agencies and volunteers, we prioritize animal welfare and provide invaluable support to both animals and their guardians in need.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility Requirements for (N1) Nutrition One Program:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must provide valid income verification such as a SNAP, WIC, Medicaid/Medicare, Unemployment statement, SSI, SSDI, Disability, copy of paystub with a letter of hardship in providing supplies for your cat and/or dog, or declaration of need.
- Must be the guardian of the Cat or Dog, with proof of such.
- Must have a valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license.
- Must reside in Jefferson County, Alabama.
- Applicant must agree to service terms and complete an application at the distribution location or online.
Upon qualification, the cat or dog will receive food from a designated distribution site for three months. After this period, the parent must spay or neuter their pet, along with providing vaccination records. This method is requested to ensure the health and well-being of each animal served and to help control overpopulation. After verification of vaccination, spaying, or neutering, participants qualify for six additional months of animal food and supplies. If participants cannot afford these requests, we distribute and/connect individuals with no-to-low-cost vaccination and spay and neuter resources, when and where available.
DISTRIBUTION CALENDAR
WHAT IS FOOD INSECURITY AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOU AND YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBER(S) & NEIGHBORS?
According to a Research Gate Survey, 28.6% of low-income households in 2020 experienced food insecurity, compared to the national average of 10.5%. In a separate ASPCA study, 40% of pet owners with incomes under $50,000 said free or low-cost vet care could have prevented them from giving up their cats or dogs, while 30% cited free or low-cost pet food as the most helpful resource.
Interviews with low-income guardians revealed that around 90% had incomes near the poverty level, and 73% were unemployed, retired, or disabled. Most guardians expressed a desire to care for their cats and/or dogs despite facing food insecurity, fearing surrender to shelters where euthanasia might occur.
Key resources identified by pet owners included free or low-cost veterinary care (40%), training or behavior help (34%), pet-friendly housing (33%), spay/neuter services (30%), pet food (30%), temporary pet care or boarding (30%), and assistance with pet deposits for housing (17%).
How We Help Concerning Food Insecurity
Virtual food banks are innovative online platforms revolutionizing food assistance.
They offer:
1. **Online Accessibility:** Available 24/7 via any internet-enabled device for easy access.
2. **Efficient Distribution:** Streamlined processes eliminate paperwork, saving time and resources.
3. **Expanded Reach:** Reaches remote and underserved communities beyond physical limitations.
4. **Diverse Support Services:** Provides not only food but also resources like job training and referrals.
5. **Donor Engagement:** Transparent donation processes and real-time impact updates foster greater involvement.
6. **Data-driven Insights:** Utilizes data analytics to adapt services effectively and advocate for policy changes.
Benefits include accessibility, efficiency, scalability, inclusivity, engagement, and innovation. Virtual food banks connect people in need with vital resources, offering hope for brighter futures. With partnerships like Doordash, 24/7 delivery is also incorporated.
Policy
To continue to receive Nutrition One benefits, you must apply in the county where you currently live and meet specific requirements. You must have FAMs residing within your household, meet income limits, or are experiencing a situation where you are considering the surrender of your FAMs. Only one account per household. Individuals may not apply on behalf of another household or commit theft, sell, or trade products distributed from RESCUES ON85TH. RESCUES ON85TH will not tolerate physical threatening or verbal assault toward staff, volunteers, partnering agencies, or other participants; such actions will result in but not limited to the termination of assistance from the program.
If you disagree with a decision in your case, you may request a review. Requests must be made within 10(ten) days of the notice provided to you concerning the conclusion that you disagree with. You can request a review over the phone, in writing, or in person and complete a redetermination form. Although a review may not change the determination, it can ensure that decisions on your account were made correctly. You may view a listing of other social service agencies that may assist you through our link at https://www.rescueson85th.org/general-faqs
Policy is subject to change and notification will be provided.
PAWSOME!