The Good Paw Project x Huddersfield Street Kitchen

Written By Sally Barker

Supporting Dogs and Their Humans — Every Sunday in Huddersfield

When we talk about food poverty, we often forget one important truth:
people don’t stop having dogs when life gets hard.

For many, a dog isn’t a luxury — they’re family, emotional support, routine, safety, and companionship rolled into one. And yet, when finances change due to illness, relationship breakdown, job loss, or homelessness, pet owners are often made to feel shame for needing help.

That’s exactly why The Good Paw Project exists — and why our partnership with Huddersfield Street Kitchen matters so much.

Where to Find Us

Every Sunday, The Good Paw Project works alongside Huddersfield Street Kitchen to provide free dog food and essentials to those who need it most.

📍 Location: Huddersfield Street Kitchen, Huddersfield
🕧 Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm, every Sunday

You don’t need referrals.
You don’t need to prove hardship.
You don’t need to explain your situation.

You just need a dog who needs feeding.

Who This Partnership Helps

This weekly outreach supports a wide range of people, including:

  • Individuals experiencing homelessness with their dogs

  • People in temporary accommodation

  • Families affected by the cost-of-living crisis

  • Owners dealing with sudden financial hardship

  • People choosing to stay with their dogs rather than give them up

Many people attending Huddersfield Street Kitchen rely on community meals for themselves — and until now, often had no consistent support for their pets.

We believe no one should have to choose between feeding themselves or their dog.

What Support Is Provided

Through this partnership, The Good Paw Project provides:

  • Dog and Cat food (kibble, tinned food, wet food)

  • Treats and chews

  • Basic essentials such as poo bags and feeding items (subject to donations)

  • Practical nutrition advice, where appropriate

Support is judgement-free, pressure-free, and designed to meet people where they are.

This isn’t about “perfect feeding”.
It’s about keeping dogs fed, healthy, and with the people who love them.

Why This Work Matters

There is a damaging narrative in society that says:

“If you can’t afford a pet, you shouldn’t have one.”

But life doesn’t work like that.

People fall ill.
Relationships break down.
Jobs are lost.
Rents increase.
Energy bills skyrocket.

Dogs are often the only constant through those changes.

For people experiencing homelessness in particular, dogs provide:

  • Emotional stability

  • Protection

  • Routine

  • A reason to keep going

Supporting dogs means supporting human wellbeing too.

Keeping dogs with their owners also prevents unnecessary relinquishment, reduces strain on rescues, and avoids dogs entering already overwhelmed shelter systems.

Working With the Community — Not Over It

The Good Paw Project is built on one simple principle:

Support both ends of the lead.

We don’t moralise food.
We don’t shame people for budget choices.
We don’t expect “Instagram-perfect” dog care.

Instead, we provide:

  • Realistic advice

  • Accessible nutrition support

  • Practical help when it’s needed most

Working with Huddersfield Street Kitchen allows us to reach people already accessing trusted support, making this help easier, safer, and more dignified.

How You Can Help

This work is only possible through community support.

You can help by:

Every bag of food helps.
Every donation keeps a dog fed.
Every share helps reduce shame around asking for help.

If You’re Struggling

If you’re finding it hard to afford food or basic care for your dog, you are not alone — and you are not failing.

You are welcome to:

  • Attend Huddersfield Street Kitchen on Sundays (12:30–1:30pm)

  • Reach out to The Good Paw Project directly for support and free nutrition advice.

Help exists.
You deserve it.
And your dog deserves it too.

Sally Barker
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