NUTRITION ONE

Nutrition One (N1): Alleviating Food Insecurity for Vulnerable Households and Their Companion Animals

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Opportunity Number:
N1-AL-JC-2021

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Program Purpose
The Nutrition One (N1) program directly addresses food insecurity in vulnerable households by providing essential nutritional resources for companion animals. By ensuring access to high-quality food for all members of the household, N1 alleviates financial strain, improves household stability, and promotes well-being. This innovative program recognizes the interconnected needs of families and their companion animals, providing holistic support to those experiencing financial hardship.

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Program Overview
1. Tackling Food Insecurity
Households experiencing financial difficulty often struggle to provide adequate food for both themselves and their companion animals. Many families are forced to share their own food or forgo other essential expenses, such as rent or medications, to ensure their animals are fed. By offering a supplemental food program for companion animals, N1 reduces these pressures, allowing families to redirect limited resources to meet their own nutritional and financial needs.

2. Addressing Vulnerable Populations
The program specifically targets households at heightened risk of food insecurity, including:

2.1. Low-Income Families: Those struggling to meet basic needs.

2.2. Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities: Households where companion animals serve as critical sources of emotional and therapeutic support.

2.3. Elderly Individuals: Seniors who rely on companion animals for emotional connection and routine.

2.4. Survivors of Domestic Violence: Families rebuilding their lives with the support of companion animals.

3. Companion Animals
Companion animals include pets such as dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals that provide emotional support and companionship to their owners.

4. Holistic Approach to Well-Being
By ensuring companion animals receive proper nutrition, N1 preserves the emotional bonds between families and their animals. These bonds contribute to improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased resilience in the face of financial hardship.

5. Financial Relief for Households
The program alleviates food insecurity by reducing the financial burden associated with caring for companion animals. This enables households to allocate more resources to essential expenses, such as:

Utilities and housing costs

Prescription medications and healthcare

Transportation and job-related needs

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6. Program Capacity and Frequency
N1 provides monthly supplemental food supplies for eligible companion animals, with limits on quantities to ensure equitable distribution to all participants.

Eligibility Requirements
Demonstrated Financial Hardship: Households must show evidence of low income, unemployment, or other factors contributing to food insecurity. Acceptable proof includes pay stubs, unemployment benefits documentation, or participation in other assistance programs.

Responsible Animal Care Practices: Participants must commit to maintaining the health and well-being of their companion animals, including spaying/neutering and vaccinations. RESCUES ON85TH offers referrals to local veterinary services to support these needs.

Geographical Service Area: Applicants must reside within Jefferson County, Alabama.

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Application Process
Step 1: Complete an application online through the RESCUES ON85TH website or by contacting the program office directly.

Step 2: Provide verification of household income and companion animal ownership, including photos and estimated birthdates.

Step 3: Submit all required documentation showing low income or financial hardship.

Note: There is no interview required as part of the application process.

Program Benefits
Improved Household Nutrition: Ensures families can focus on their own nutritional needs without compromising the care of their companion animals.

Strengthened Family Stability: Reduces financial strain, enabling families to meet critical needs like housing and healthcare.

Enhanced Mental and Emotional Health: Sustains the bonds between families and their companion animals, which are vital for emotional resilience.

Expanded Access: A mobile food pantry and delivery service address transportation barriers for families in Jefferson County, Alabama.

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Food Insecurity Impact
The Nutrition One (N1) program uniquely addresses food insecurity by:

Reducing the need for families to share their own food with animals.

Filling gaps in existing food assistance programs, which often exclude companion animal needs.

Supporting vulnerable populations who depend on companion animals for emotional and medical well-being.

This approach ensures no member of the household—human or animal—is left behind, fostering healthier, more stable communities.

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Additional Information
Accessibility: Application materials and assistance are available in multiple formats and languages upon request to ensure equitable access for all applicants.

Partnerships: Nutrition One collaborates with local veterinary clinics, food banks, and transportation services to maximize program reach and impact.

Impact Statistics: In 2024, N1 served over 200 families, distributing more than 10,000 pounds of pet food to those in need.

Call to Action: Apply today to ensure your family and furry family members never go hungry. Visit the RESCUES ON85TH website or contact the program office for more information.

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Legal Disclaimer

RESCUES ON85TH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable households and their companion animals. Please be advised that RESCUES ON85TH is not a veterinary service provider. We do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe medical care for animals. Veterinary services are provided exclusively through our partnered licensed veterinary agencies and professionals.

Participation in our programs does not create a veterinary-client-patient relationship between RESCUES ON85TH and program participants or their companion animals. All medical questions, diagnoses, and treatments should be directed to qualified veterinarians.

RESCUES ON85TH strives to maintain the confidentiality and security of participant information. However, we cannot guarantee absolute privacy and recommend participants use discretion when sharing sensitive personal information.

By engaging with RESCUES ON85TH services and programs, participants acknowledge and accept that RESCUES ON85TH, its officers, employees, volunteers, and partners shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from the use or inability to use our services or products.

Participants also agree to comply with all program requirements and guidelines. RESCUES ON85TH reserves the right to modify or discontinue programs at any time without prior notice.

If you have questions about veterinary care or animal health, please consult a licensed veterinarian or appropriate veterinary service provider.