The cost of everyday items such as food, gas, and even pet food continues to increase making life at times feel unaffordable.  

June’s Consumer Price Index provided by Statistics Canada showed that Canada’s inflation rate increased by 2.8 per cent year-over-year for the month.  

To combat inflation and assist pet owners, the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank partnered with the Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Moose Jaw Humane Society a few months ago to create their own pet food bank.  

Terri Smith is the operations manager and says they have always been able to assist pet owners, but now can help on a bigger scale after receiving three pallets of dog and cat chow from the SPCA’s food bank.  

“It’s nice to be able to give food to our client’s pets,” says Smith. “I know a lot of our clients would sacrifice their own food to make sure their pets were getting fed. I think having a pet is vital when it comes to companionship and having somebody for support. If they lost those pets, I think it would be devastating.” 

Thanks to a bigger facility, which they moved into in 2021, the food bank has more room to handle additional pet supplies.  

As of Monday, the food bank has almost gone through the three pallets that were sent to them from the SPCA. Smith notes that when they begin to run low, all they have to do is contact the SPCA and they will send additional food.  

Owners can receive their pet food at the facility (270 Fairford Street West) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

In the end, Smith explains that this addition to the food bank’s supply is a blessing in disguise for pet owners.  

“Absolutely grateful. Before, we would only be able to give them maybe a small bag because we didn’t have a whole lot of pet food. We even had large bags that we were able to give to our clients that had larger dogs and they were so grateful. They can’t afford big bags of dog food and end up buying smaller bags, which costs a lot more money just to get through,” adds Smith.  

For cats and dogs, the food bank is trying to disperse enough goodies to last that animal for a month or as long as possible.  

“Some days we’re not able to but we try to make sure it lasts them a month. They can come when they need it and if we have the supplies, we will definitely give it.” 

Though the facility is in a better position when it comes to dog and cat food, it still will gladly accept donations from the community.  

“Cat food, dog food, and cat litter. Everything you buy at a grocery store we will accept if we can’t find a use for it for our clients there are other organizations we help as well.” 

Those wishing to get their hands on some cat or dog food can reach out to the food bank at 306-692-2911 or email: endhunger@mjfoodbank.org     

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