At Food Bank Tricity and Krakow Food Bank, the mission has always been clear: support people in need. But thanks to recent generous donations through Greater Good Charities, these organizations have expanded their reach—providing not just food for families, but essential items for children and even beloved pets.
These milestones are creating ripple effects of relief and hope across communities in Poland.
Meeting Families' Needs Beyond Food
At Food Bank Tricity, the needs of families with young children have always been a priority. For the first time ever, thanks to a recent donation, the organization was able to distribute diapers and baby bottles alongside food essentials.
This seemingly simple addition made a tremendous difference. Many of the families who visited the social stores shared how difficult it had been to access basic childcare supplies. Now, instead of choosing between feeding their families or buying a package of diapers, they could meet their children's everyday needs while saving critical funds.
One touching moment captured this impact perfectly: a mother with her four-month-old daughter arrived at the food bank. The woman had to open a package of diapers immediately at the store because her baby desperately needed one. As her daughter smiled curiously at the other children nearby, it was a poignant reminder that these community spaces not only provide essential supplies, but the critical opportunity to interact with other families.
Recognizing the Importance of Pets in People’s Lives
At the beginning of Greater Good Charities' partnership with Food Bank Tricity, pet food was considered a minor addition to their offerings. But it quickly became clear how deep the need ran.
Many individuals who previously prioritized bones and meat over fruits and vegetables weren't making unhealthy choices for themselves—they were trying to feed their pets. With dedicated pet food now available, people could choose healthier, more nourishing options for themselves, while still caring for their four-legged companions.
The response from partner organizations was overwhelming. These groups recognized immediately how meaningful pet food support was for the people they served.
Stories of Impact:
- Association Light and Shadows (Światło i Cienie): This association supports 18 adults with intellectual disabilities, many of whom live on very limited pensions. Pets often provide these individuals with emotional support and daily motivation. Thanks to the pet food donation, they could continue caring for their beloved companions without sacrificing their own needs.
"Knowing their pets have food brings great relief and happiness to our beneficiaries," wrote Tomasz Arca, President of the Association. "Thanks to your help, our beneficiaries can feel they are not alone in their struggles, and their pets receive what they deserve most—warmth, care, and love."
- Provincial Addiction Therapy Center in Gdańsk (WOTUW Dąbrówka): Therapy dogs play a key role in supporting individuals recovering from addiction at this center. The pet food donation not only ensured the dogs’ well-being but also helped the patients feel pride and responsibility as caregivers—enhancing their own healing journey.
Krakow Food Bank: A Milestone in Holistic Care
In Krakow, the expansion of services took another meaningful step. For the first time, pet food was distributed alongside human food at the Krakow Food Bank’s social shop and through a network of organizations including animal shelters, rehabilitation centers, and retirement homes.
This shift recognized a critical truth: when a family struggles, pets struggle too. No one should have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding a beloved animal.
The impact was immediate and overwhelming. Supplies flew off the shelves, and the gratitude expressed by recipients spoke volumes about the importance of treating pets as part of the family.
The GOODS Store: A New Model for Compassion
One standout initiative is Dobry Sklep ("Good Store"), a free community store in Krakow where individuals receive points on a magnetic card to exchange for food. Now, thanks to the GOODS program, these points can also be used for high-quality pet food.
This simple addition is relieving financial pressure for families already struggling to make ends meet—and ensuring that no member of the household, furry or human, is left behind.
A Growing Movement Toward Holistic Support
The success of these initiatives is opening new doors. Food Bank Tricity and Krakow Food Bank both report that the pet food donations strengthened their relationships with partner organizations, broadened their networks, and deepened community trust.
Importantly, it also sparked new conversations about the role pets play in the lives of people facing hardship—and how supporting the whole family, including animals, strengthens resilience and hope.
Together, thanks to donors and partners like Greater Good Charities, we're helping families not just survive, but stay whole, stay nourished, and stay connected—one meal, one diaper, and one bowl of pet food at a time.
