30,000‑pound pet food donation to be picked up and redistributed across Northwest Arkansas

The Animal Services Advisory Board learned on Nov. 3 that the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is providing a 30,000‑pound donation of dog and cat food to alliance agencies across the region.

"They told us it's literally, like, 575 bags," an alliance representative said, describing the donation as large pallets of 50‑pound bags that partner agencies will split and re‑distribute. The group planned to pick up the donation at the food bank distribution center on Thursday and divide supplies among agencies serving Bella Vista, Huntsville and Washington County.

Board members discussed practical logistics: pallets and pallet jacks are likely necessary, and participants suggested renting a large U‑Haul and borrowing or renting a pallet jack to avoid organizing many small pickup runs. One member described a prior successful approach: renting a large U‑Haul, picking up pallets at a single delivery point and then distributing from a central clinic.

Participants agreed to contact the food bank to confirm whether the donation would arrive palletized and to coordinate volunteers and vehicles to unload and redistribute supplies. The board noted increased demand for pet food this season and said they would allocate volunteers and potentially request city equipment to assist with pickup and unloading.

Separately, the shelter representative reiterated in‑house programs coming up for volunteers, including the annual "Kongsgiving" drive and a short‑term foster push for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Next steps: staff will confirm pickup details with the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, explore renting a truck and pallet jack if needed, and mobilize volunteers to assist with distribution.