Rescue Bank, operated by Greater Good.org, delivers pet food to Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas. Courtesy photo: Rancho Coastal Humane Society

ENCINITAS–Nearly 38,000 pounds of donated dog and cat food was delivered to Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas on Wednesday.

The food was donated through Rescue Bank, operated by Greater Good.org, a non-profit organization that supports animal rescue and rehabilitation groups by providing services and supplies. The pet food will be distributed to animal rescue groups throughout southern California.

“When we work with Rescue Bank and Greatergood.org we see direct impact,” said Jim Silveira, president of Rancho Coastal Humane Society. “ This donation includes almost 19 tons of Nature’s Recipe, Natural Balance, Ol Roy, 9 Lives, and Meow Mix cat and dog food. It will be distributed to Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s rescue partners.”

The 35 pallets of food was unloaded by fork lift near the Humane Education Center. took Most of the cat and dog food was gone by Friday afternoon after being picked up by pre-approved rescue groups.

“Many rescues struggle to pay for the food they need for the pets under their care. With donations from Rescue Bank, they pay shipping costs, but the food is free. The money they save can be used for spay/neuter, veterinary, and care services,” Silveira said.

In recent years Rancho Coastal Humane Society has received the largest pet food donations in its 58 year history. The food donation will provide approximately 100,000 meals for dogs and cats in San Diego and surrounding counties.

Rescue Bank delivers donated food to regional distribution centers where it is picked up by pre-qualified non-profit groups. About 200 rescue groups reside in San Diego county.

“When we’ve done this in the past the dog and cat food went to our rescue partners in San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside counties,” Silveira says,