Food for Thought

www.stcharleshumanesociety.org


Feeding hungry people is a challenge that has become even more difficult in today's tough economic times. Food pantries across the nation report a substantial increase in need for services. Often, there isn't enough food available for those who need it. Fortunately, the holiday season stirs up a flood of generosity--donations to organizations, adopt-a-family programs, and food drives. But when the holidays are over, what happens? We carefully pack away our charitable impulses along with the beautiful holiday decorations, while many continue to face dark days.

People aren't the only ones in hard times. More pets than ever have been surrendered to shelters because families can no longer afford to keep them or have lost their family home and must temporarily stay in a place where pets aren't welcome. Yet there are ways to provide hope.

A few years ago, the St. Charles Humane Society created a program called Animeals. Its purpose is to help low income families and senior citizens feed their pets in times of crisis. The program uses pet food donated to the shelter, and like any other food pantry, those requesting assistance must provide proof of need. The program has almost no operating cost and is entirely volunteer-driven. It hasn't changed the world, but Animeals makes a difference by providing help to those who need it most.

Including the four-legged ones.