Ashington woman sets up food bank for pets in wake of cost of living crisis

An animal lover from Ashington has set up a pet food bank to help owners struggling to feed their four-legged friends.
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Tyesha Muncaster, 24, only launched the service three days ago, but has already managed to help 40 pets.

She got the idea for a pet food bank after she posted a note online asking if anyone wanted some leftover kitten food pouches. Tyesha has recently started her two cats – Oreo and Milo – on adult food but rather than throw their old food in the bin, she thought it would be better to give it away.

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Such was the demand, Tyesha, who works in digital marketing, decided to set up a pet food bank and the service has taken off.

Animal lover Tyesha Muncaster, who has set up a pet food bank for owners struggling to feed their animals.Animal lover Tyesha Muncaster, who has set up a pet food bank for owners struggling to feed their animals.
Animal lover Tyesha Muncaster, who has set up a pet food bank for owners struggling to feed their animals.

She said: “All I did was put a post up saying if anyone was struggling to feed their kittens they should let me know, and I’d help them out with a few leftover pouches.

"The reaction was absolutely insane, and I soon realised there was a really high demand out there for pet food.”

Tyesha has set up a Facebook page called A helping paw food share – Ashington and all people need to do is send her a message via the page in order to receive a food package.

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She mainly helps dogs, cats and rabbits, but is open to helping any animal.

Tyesha's cats - and the inspiration behind the pet food bank initiative - Oreo and Milo.Tyesha's cats - and the inspiration behind the pet food bank initiative - Oreo and Milo.
Tyesha's cats - and the inspiration behind the pet food bank initiative - Oreo and Milo.

She said: “If someone sends me a message asking for help, I just follow that up with a few questions about what they need and for how long. I then try to create a package for as long as they need it, all they have to do is come to my home to pick it up.”

Tyesha is therefore appealing for donations – both food and financial – and has asked people to contact her via her Facebook page. She has also set up a Paypal account – people should just send the page a message for details.

One grateful pet owner who has benefited from a care package posted on the group’s Facebook yesterday: “Thankyou so much for what you have given me.

"It’s an absolutely amazing thing that you are doing and people like me would be lost without you.”

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