A ray of hope is shining in Porter County. The decline in the economy has led to a rise in the number of homeless pets, as families have to relinquish their loved ones, no longer being able to afford to take care of them. The Porter County Pet Project and Kibble Kitchen is facing this problem head on, helping families stay together and get back on track.
Launched in January 2011, the pet pantry has quickly expanded to serve nearly 93 clients. “It’s always been an idea in my head,” stated Executive Director Michelle Duca, “I’ve been in animal welfare for 20 some years, seeing requests of people needing [pet] food, needing people to take their pets.” Michelle, along with a small core of volunteers, including 4 board members, banded together to provide a means where people can receive pet food and keep their pets at home. “I didn’t want pets to go back to a shelter environment,” she said.
The Kibble Kitchen has been fortunate in receiving donations from the community. “We haven’t had to purchase food yet, the community has been extremely generous,” Michelle enthused, “Every time we give away food to the clients, we get the same amount back in.” Although donations have been plentiful, the Kibble Kitchen is always looking for assistance, particularly with cat food. “Cat donations do not come in the way dog donations do,” stated Michelle, “We can supply dog owners with a month of food, but can give cat owners only a certain poundage per cat.”
“We are more than just a pantry.” The Kibble Kitchen is about more than handing people food; the volunteers work with their clients in any way they can to help get their lives back in order. Michelle spoke of a client who came to the pantry, desperately needing dog food, as she had been feeding her dog her own food, not having the money to buy pet food. Volunteers at the Kibble Kitchen provided her food, lent a listening ear, and provided her emotional support. During the open house some months later, the client came back, after selling her house, and gave back $500 to the pantry. “She wanted to make sure it was known she was thankful for what we did,” stated Michelle, “We’re now working to help find her a job.”
The pantry is an advocate for working together to better lives, partnering with other organizations such as Lakeshore Paws, Independent Cat Society, Portage Trustee, food banks, and other shelters, in order to reach more people. “We’re trying to be more like an animal welfare program than just a pantry,” Michelle commented, “It has to be more than food.” Even if someone needs assistance just once, the Kibble Kitchen is there to help. “It’s about sharing the wealth, giving when we can, getting people back on track.”
Donations and volunteers are always needed at the Kibble Kitchen. With 90% of the clientele bringing in under $10,000 in yearly income, and matters looking to not improve this coming winter, the need will most certainly grow. Business sponsorships are always appreciated, any help graciously valued, whether it be help with printing services or just a donation of Post-It notes.
“Even $5 will buy cat food or go towards spaying-neutering animals,” stated Michelle. Beginning in January 2012, to be in the program, all clients must spay or neuter their pets. “We want to be part of the solution, and not a part of the over-population problem.”
Food collection boxes for the Kibble Kitchen are located throughout Porter County:
- The Cinnamon Tree Day Spa, Valparaiso
- Mel’s Detail, Chesterton
- Jake’s Feed and Garden, Valparaiso
- Vale Park Animal Hospital, Valparaiso
- Tinibaybeez Dog Grooming, Portage
- McAfee Animal Hospital, Valparaiso
- Portage Animal Clinic, Portage
The Kibble Kitchen has several fundraisers coming up. Applebee’s in Chesterton, Portage, and Valparaiso will donate 15% of your bill November 7-10 and November 14-17. Present this flyer to your server for the donation and once you do, you’ll receive a $5 off coupon for your next visit! Chili’s of Southlake, Valparaiso, and Dyer will also donate 10% of your purchase November 25 - December 24 when you bring one of these vouchers when you dine in or get a to go order.
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5882 US Hwy 6
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: 219-734-6936
For more information on the Kibble Kitchen, check them out on Facebook or visit their website.