ORLANDO, Fla. – As families struggle with food insecurity and rely on SNAP benefits, many face an additional challenge: feeding their beloved pets.
Christina Getman, who works while attending school, faces this dilemma daily. Her household, which includes three dogs, multiple cats and guinea pigs, previously depended on SNAP benefits to help keep food on the table.
“The children have to be fed, the animals have to be fed. We all in the end need to be fed and they’re part of the family,” Getman said, emphasizing her 14-year-old dog Sydney and other pets are like her children. “We can’t give them up. We’d be like giving up one of my other children.”
Despite her husband working full-time and her own employment while pursuing education, the loss of SNAP benefits has created significant strain on their household budget.
Stephen Bardy, executive director of Pet Alliance Orlando, reports an increase in requests for pet food assistance following the government shutdown.
“They’re calling the call center, they’re stopping by the shelter, stopping by the clinic. We may get comments on a social media post,” Bardy said.
Pet Alliance Orlando continues to offer support to struggling pet owners. The organization has scheduled its next pet food distribution day for Dec. 6, but Bardy emphasizes they’re ready to help on an individual basis.
“They can always give us a call or send us an email, and we may not be able to get you something today, but we’ll try and figure out a conduit to make it happen,” Bardy explained.
For pet owners like Getman, the search continues for resources to feed their animal family members while awaiting the restoration of SNAP benefits.
“I just wish there were more resources and wasn’t so embarrassing to ask for help,” Getman said.
Pet owners in need of assistance can contact Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando or visit their local shelter for information about available resources. Those looking to donate food can find information on how to ship it directly to Pet Alliance on their website, or deliver it to their location in person.
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