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Case Study Overview: Addressing the Dual Crisis of Food Insecurity and Animal Welfare in Vulnerable Households.

Surveying Community Needs to Improve Services
To understand the real-time needs of the families we serve, we regularly survey households facing food insecurity. These surveys collect information about both human and animal food needs. We’ve found that many families are forced to share their meals with their animals due to financial limitations. This often results in animals being underfed or malnourished, which in turn leads to health problems and behavioral issues. These surveys help us assess the extent of the issue and adjust our services to better meet the needs of these households.

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The Surrender Crisis: Understanding the Causes
A critical issue that arises in food-insecure households is the potential for animal surrender. Many families in crisis feel that they can no longer care for their animals and, as a result, are forced to surrender them to shelters or rescues. The reasons for animal surrender often include:

Food Insecurity: Families who cannot afford enough food for themselves often struggle to feed their animals, which leads to the decision to surrender.

Financial Strain: The high cost of veterinary care, including vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries, can make it impossible for families to care for their animals, leading them to surrender them to shelters.

Health and Behavioral Issues: Animals in households under severe stress, whether due to malnutrition or lack of proper medical care, may develop behavioral or health issues, which further strain the family’s ability to care for them.

Housing Instability: Families experiencing housing instability or homelessness may be forced to surrender their animals because they cannot find housing that allows FAMs.

Statistics on Surrender Causes

According to the ASPCA, the top three reasons for surrendering an animal to a shelter are financial hardship, housing issues, and the inability to afford proper veterinary care.

A study from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) found that approximately 40% of pet owners facing financial instability are unable to provide their animals with proper nutrition or medical care.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that 26% of animals surrendered to shelters are due to the inability of owners to afford medical care.

These statistics highlight the urgent need to address both food insecurity and animal welfare together. By providing support for both, we reduce the likelihood of animals being surrendered to shelters, helping families stay intact.

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This case study presents a comprehensive analysis of #345 household assessments conducted across various neighborhoods to evaluate the vaccination and spay/neuter status of cats and/or dogs. The data was obtained through our Nutrition One Program, working in collaboration with local food banks to assess the needs of households receiving food assistance.

By examining vaccination rates and spay/neuter statistics, we can identify trends and target areas with lower compliance, ensuring that we focus our outreach and resources where they are most needed. Additionally, this data highlights the need for higher education on the importance of spaying and neutering as a means to reduce overpopulation, prevent health issues, and improve the quality of life for both animals and families.

These assessments inform our strategy to expand access to essential services such as vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries, while also driving educational campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about responsible pet ownership and the long-term benefits of spay/neuter.

Key components include:

Health & Safety Data Analysis: Detailed metrics on vaccination and spay/neuter rates for cats and/or dogs, derived from systematic assessments. This data enables us to track program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and adjust strategies to maximize health outcomes for cats and/or dogs.

Proposed Service Expansion: Plans to increase access to spay/neuter services, informed by trends in data and community demand. This includes expanding partnerships with clinics, offering low-cost spay/neuter services, and implementing mobile clinics to reach underserved areas.

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Food Assistance Metrics: Quantitative data on the distribution of food to households facing financial hardship, including low-income, disabled, and at-risk families. These metrics are derived from ongoing surveys and direct program assessments to monitor need and adjust supply chain logistics.

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Proposed Service Expansion: Exploration of scalable solutions for food distribution, such as mobile food delivery programs, based on current demand and logistical considerations.

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Educational Outreach & Advocacy: Analysis of the effectiveness of our educational programs, focusing on community awareness of responsible pet ownership, vaccination, and spay/neuter benefits. Data from participant surveys will help assess knowledge gaps and inform the development of future outreach strategies.

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Proposed Service Expansion: The introduction of specialized educational workshops and digital resources, backed by survey data and community engagement metrics, to promote the importance of spay/neuter services and responsible pet ownership.

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Vaccination Initiatives Evaluation: Review of the vaccination rates and coverage within our target communities, including any barriers to access that prevent optimal participation. By analyzing this data, we aim to implement targeted interventions such as mobile vaccination clinics to increase accessibility and participation.

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Proposed Service Expansion: Mobile clinics and low-cost vaccination options, driven by the need identified through ongoing community assessments, and an expanded focus on providing spay/neuter services alongside vaccinations.

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Each of these sections is based on real-time data collection, evaluation, and program feedback, ensuring that our ongoing efforts align with the evolving needs of the communities we serve. The Case Study in Progress page serves as both a record of our current initiatives and a guide for evidence-based program expansion, underpinned by rigorous data analysis and continuous improvement.

PARTNERSHIPS

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Greater Birmingham Humane Society
In partnership with the Birmingham Humane Society, we focus on educating the community about responsible care and the importance of spaying and neutering. Together, we provide essential resources and knowledge to help individuals better care for their FAMs. Through this collaboration, we aim to raise awareness about preventing overpopulation and ensuring that every furry family member receives the proper care and attention they deserve.

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Doordash​
Through our partnership with DoorDash, we are able to extend our reach and deliver essential food and supplies directly to individuals who cannot physically access our distribution points. This service helps ensure that those facing hardships can still care for their FAMs, even when transportation or mobility is a challenge. By utilizing DoorDash, we bring the support directly to those in need, making it easier for families to receive the resources they require.

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BJCC CITYWALK 
As our central distribution location, BJCC Citywalk serves as a vital hub for individuals in need of support. From this location, we provide essential food and supplies to those facing hardships, ensuring they have the resources to care for their FAMs. By operating in a highly accessible area, we can reach more individuals who may otherwise struggle to find assistance for themselves and their furry family members.

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GreaterGoods
Through our partnership with GreaterGoods, we work to provide valuable resources and education to the community about responsible pet ownership and care. Together, we offer support to individuals in need, helping them better understand the importance of nutrition, health, and well-being for their FAMs. By combining our efforts, we aim to empower families with the knowledge and tools they need to give their furry companions the best possible care.​

​Our Approach: Partnering to Address Dual Food Insecurity

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Community Partnerships

We partner with local food banks to distribute food, medical supplies, and resources for both humans and FAMs. By collaborating with these community organizations, we ensure families receive holistic support, addressing both their own needs and the needs of their animals.

Our central location at BJCC Citywalk in Downtown Alabama increases visibility and makes it easier for families from various parts of the city to access our services. This high-traffic location attracts more individuals, volunteers, and potential supporters, allowing us to streamline food and supply distribution and better serve those in need.

Service Expansion: Delivery Support with DoorDash

Recognizing that many families face transportation barriers, we’ve partnered with DoorDash to offer delivery services to individuals who cannot come to the Citywalk. This partnership ensures that even families without transportation can receive vital resources delivered directly to their doors.​

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Client Surveys and Community Engagement

To better understand the needs of families and measure our impact, we conduct surveys with households facing food insecurity. These surveys ask questions about the challenges of securing both human and pet food, and whether families are forced to share their food with animals due to financial strain. The feedback we collect helps us improve our services and ensures we’re meeting the needs of the community.

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Results: Positive Impact and Community Response

Since our founding, RESCUES ON85TH has distributed over 350,000 pounds of dog food, cat food, bedding, and other supplies to more than 1,728 FAMs. We’ve helped over 300 families keep their pets at home, reducing the need for surrendering animals to shelters.

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Impact Metrics:

  • 340,128+ pounds of dog food, cat food, bedding, and supplies distributed

  • 1,728 FAMs supported

  • Over 300 families helped keep their FAMs at home

  • Delivery support provided through DoorDash for families without transportation

  • Partnership with Oneroof to help individuals access food and essential resources

The feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive - it’s about keeping families intact.

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