Rancho Coastal to Distribute 19 Tons of Donated Puppy Food

Encinitas, CA — Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas was set to receive a donation Thursday of 38,625 pounds — 19 tons — of puppy food, with plans to distribute the food to animal rescue groups throughout southern California.

"This is the largest pet food donation in the 56-year history of your Rancho Coastal Humane Society,” said RCHS President Jim Silveira. "This donation should provide more than 100,000 meals for puppies in San Diego and surrounding counties."

The Nature’s Recipe puppy food is being donated through the Rescue Bank, which is operated by Greater Good.org, a nonprofit organization that supports animal rescue and rehabilitation groups by providing services and supplies.

"When the 48 pallets of puppy food arrive we’ll take a few bags to restock the Community Pet Food Bank here at Rancho Coastal Humane Society, but 99 percent of the food will be distributed to our rescue partners. The money that our rescue partners save from their food budgets can be used to provide more spay/neuter, veterinary, and care services."

Rescue Bank delivers donated food to regional distribution centers where it is picked up by pre-qualified nonprofit groups.

"We received a delivery almost this large in December," Silveira said. "That dog and cat food went to rescue groups in San Diego, Imperial and Riverside counties. We’re honored that Greater Good.org trusts Rancho Coastal Humane Society to distribute the food and help the animals and rescue groups that need it."

It should take about an hour to unload 48 pallets of food by fork lift in the Humane Education Center parking lot, he said.

Starting Thursday afternoon, the pre-approved rescue groups will begin picking up the puppy food, with distribution expected to last two to three days.

"There are about 200 rescue groups in San Diego County," Silveira said. "All of the animals under their care deserve proper treatment and nutrition. Greater Good.org trusts Rancho Coastal Humane Society to carry out their intentions and help feed animals waiting to be adopted."

For more information call 760-753-6413, log on to Sdpets.org, or visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza St. in Encinitas. Shelter hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Tuesday.