Kent Hospital - Food Four Paws

Overview

In April 2009, Kent Hospital implemented “Food Four Paws,” a pet-food collection and delivery program for low-income elderly residents with pets. This employee outreach program has engaged the more than 2,000 staff members at Kent, who bring in and donate the pet food. Rhode Island Meals on Wheels delivers the pet food, along with the people food, to needy elderly residents. Since the first delivery, program leaders have added a local senior center to the delivery schedule, as well as a program called “Hands that Heal” that provides pet food to needy elderly residents in the northern part of the state. They have also added cat litter to the delivery schedule for homebound residents with cats. Bone Appetit, a local pet bakery, has “adopted” the program, promoting Food Four Paws and making sure program leaders get the best deals when purchasing food. In addition, several people have held benefits to raise funds.

Three Kent Hospital staffers started the program when they became aware of elderly residents in the community who were feeding their food to their pets instead of eating it themselves because they could not afford to buy pet food. In addition, some of the residents had to give up their animal companions to shelters because they could not afford to buy food for their pets. The three staffers quickly grew to a committee of 30 who coordinate the monthly drives. Through the program, pet food is delivered every other month.

Impact

Deliveries made so far this year have totaled nearly 5,500 pounds to approximately 200 Rhode Islanders. Elderly residents benefiting from the program are able to keep and provide for their pets, as well as reap the numerous rewards of animal companionship. Food Four Paws is also rewarding for Kent Hospital employees, who have embraced the program. All food brought in is tracked and weighed; program leaders and staff celebrate the amount distributed every other month.

Challenges/success factors

Due to receiving a small amount of criticism for implementing an “animal focused” program, Food Four Paws leaders emphasize that the program focuses on the elderly and their needs, which includes caring for their pets.

Future direction/sustainability

Food Four Paws leaders have opened a non-interest-bearing account and have deposited more than $5,000, which will be used along with employee donations. They anticipate expanding the program to senior-housing residents.

Advice to others

Hospitals are full of nurturing people; they are always looking for ways to channel their compassion. When developing employee outreach programs, make sure you have a pulse on what energizes your employees.

Contact: Barbara Emmons
Nurse Analyst
Telephone: 401-737-7010, ext. 35280
E-mail: bemmons@kentri.org