Londoners who need help keeping their four-legged friends well-fed can continue using the No Empty Bowls Pet Food Bank, as another charitable organization plans to take over the long-running program.
In late February, No Empty Bowls announced that they were shutting down effective March 1, citing "ongoing health issues." The volunteer-run organization had been headed by Wendy and Kevin Gorman for over a decade.
In order to continue serving London pet owners in need of support, Humane Society London & Middlesex (HSLM) has decided to take over the local pet food pantry.
"This is a service our community definitely needs,” said Steve Ryall, HSLM executive director. “No Empty Bowls has made a tremendous impact in our community and our team here at HSLM will work hard to carry that forward.”
The transition is currently underway, and Ryall doesn't believe Londoners who use the program will experience any disruption in service thanks to the existing relationship between HSLM and No Empty Bowls.
"It makes sense for both organizations that the torch is now passed over to HSLM to transition and run the pet food pantry program," Ryall added. "Our mission is to lead London and Middlesex in building a humane and compassionate community for all animals. This program is aligned with that."
A spokesperson from HSLM said a comprehensive list of pick-up and drop-off locations will be published on their website soon.