Source: Marianne Swaney-Stueve, 913-307-7354, mariannes@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.olathe.k-state.edu
Photos available: http://www.k-state.edu/media/images/oct12/wayside.jpg
and http://www.k-state.edu/media/images/oct12/pallets.jpg
Photo cutlines: Photo No. 1: Wayside Waifs receives donated pet food from K-State Olathe. Photo No. 2: Pallets of the pet food being prepared for donation at K-State Olathe.
Hometown connection/news tip: Olathe and Kansas City, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo.
News release prepared by: Kristi Northcutt, 913-307-7341, knorthcutt@k-state.edu
Monday, Oct. 15, 2012
KC area animal shelters, agencies receive gift of nearly 8 tons of dog and cat good following consumer study at K-State Olathe
OLATHE -- Kansas State University Olathe found itself buried in dog and cat food following a recent consumer study with a feed manufacturer. Rather than dispose of nearly 8 tons of food, the Sensory and Consumer Research Center at K-State Olathe donated the 30 pallets to local animal shelters and adoption agencies.
"The client afforded us the opportunity to donate the food rather than have it returned," said Marianne Swaney-Stueve, manager of the Sensory and Consumer Research Center. "We were excited to be able to put the food to good use and appreciate the client trusting our recommendations to benefit these organizations in our community."
More than 7,600 pounds of dry dog food and 7,900 pounds of dry cat food were delivered to Wayside Waifs, the Great Plains SPCA, the Olathe Animal Shelter, Greater Kansas City Humane Society and Country Kennels.
"So far, we have already delivered 69 bags of the food --1,380 pounds -- to low-income families across the Kansas City metro," said Courtney Ryan, human education resource officer for the Great Plains SPCA. "Many of these pets, especially in the low-income homes where the owners have no means of transportation to get the food, go without until we can get them some. The families and pets are incredibly appreciative."
Barbara Poe, director of shelter operations for Wayside Waifs, said, "K-State's donation of hundreds of pounds of dog and cat food will not only be used in our shelter, but will also help us keep our food bank open for people needing help feeding their animals."
The Sensory and Consumer Research Center is in K-State Olathe's International Animal Health and Food Safety Institute at 22201 W. Innovation Drive. K-State Olathe is in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor, which stretches from Manhattan, Kan., to Colombia, Mo., and accounts for one third of the $19 billion global animal health market. A full service consumer research facility offering both qualitative and quantitative research in addition to consulting and project management, the center has staff experienced in testing a wide range of food and other consumer products.
