Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing food, such as hay, to an animal at predetermined intervals utilizes a linear force device, such as a solenoid, to operate the dispensing mechanism. The dispenser generally comprises a housing, a plurality of spaced superimposed shelves hingedly supported by the housing defining a plurality of contiguously stacked bins for supporting animal food above the ground, a latch assembly including a latch rod for supporting the shelves, and an activation mechanism coupled to the latch rod. The activation mechanism includes a battery, a solenoid having a shaft, a timer for activating the solenoid, shaft biasing means and a conversion mechanism coupling the shaft to the latch rod such that linear movement of the shaft in a first direction rotates the rod for dispensing food and such that movement of the shaft in a second direction does not rotate the rod.