AUSTIN, Texas — Hundreds of Austin-area residents drove up Friday morning to receive food for both their families and their pets, as Austin Pets Alive! and the Central Texas Food Bank hosted their quarterly joint distribution event at the Delco Activity Center.
The two nonprofits distributed approximately 4,000 pounds of pet food alongside household food supplies to an estimated 200 families at the event, held from 9 to 11 a.m. at 4601 Pecan Brook Dr.
“We know that where pets are in need, people are in need, and vice versa,” said Lee Ann Shenefiel, senior director of community programs for Austin Pets Alive!. “By distributing food, we’ve made some decisions for folks a little bit easier for how they’re going to get themselves and their pets fed.”
The partnership reflects a growing need. Shenefiel said Austin Pets Alive!’s pet pantry has seen usage climb roughly 50% this year compared to typical levels.
“Pet food and pet costs are increasing faster than other commodities, and that’s increasing at a rate that’s faster than people’s income is increasing,” she said. “There’s an affordability issue around pet food and pet supplies.”
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Hundreds of Austin-area residents drove up Friday morning to receive food for both their families and their pets, as Austin Pets Alive! and the Central Texas Food Bank hosted their quarterly joint distribution event at the Delco Activity Center. (Photo: CBS Austin)
Shenefiel said people often prioritize their animals over themselves when resources are tight.
“A lot of times, people will choose to help their pets before they help themselves, sometimes sharing food that is meant for their human table with their pets,” she said. “We want both people and pets to thrive and have what they need.”
No sign-up was required to participate in Friday’s event, which was open to Austin and Travis County residents. Austin Pets Alive! also runs a pet pantry at its Town Lake shelter downtown, and residents can request pet food assistance at austinpetsalive.org.
At the previous quarterly event in April, the two organizations served more than 300 households and distributed more than 570 bags of pet food to over 500 pets.
Those looking to help can donate unopened wet or dry dog or cat food, towels, bedding or other supplies to Austin Pets Alive!’s pet pantry. The organization is also seeking fosters and adopters, as shelters across the region are currently at high capacity.
“Austin is a pet-loving community, and there are ways for everyone to help,” Shenefiel said.
For more information, visit austinpetsalive.org or centraltexasfoodbank.org.