Central Texas Food Bank and Austin Pets Alive! aid families, pets in joint distribution event

AUSTIN, Texas — The Central Texas Food Bank and Austin Pets Alive! banded together on Friday to host a joint food distribution for families and their pets.

Hundreds of cars lined up at the Delco Activity Center, where the local food bank and animal shelter set up to load food items into vehicles. 

Over 2,700 pounds of cat and dog food were packaged, according to Lee Ann Shenefiel, APA!’s Senior Director of Community Programs. About 500 animals benefited from the donations.

Shenefiel said the contributions were made in partnership with PetSmart Charities. 

“I know that our families in Austin are facing some affordability and accessibility challenges to getting the things that they need for themselves and their pets, and by being able to give them a little bit of assistance, we’re able to keep some extra dollars in their pocket to go further and their household budget,” said Shenefiel. 

Families didn’t need to bring their pets with them. 

Rashonda Fields stopped by and picked up pet food for her dog and her mother’s cat. Fields said prices have skyrocketed, and she is willing to accept any help offered. 

“Everything is so expensive, so whatever little bit of help that I can get, you know, because it’s kind of hard even for one person,” said Fields. 

As for families picking up food, staff with the local food bank said chicken, bread and sweet potatoes were some of the items being offered. 

Community Distribution Manager Mandy O’Connell said they’ve seen an increase in need since the government shutdown and the temporary pause on SNAP benefits.

While that demand has recently gone down, O’Connell encourages anyone who needs assistance to come out to the joint events. 

“With so many challenges right now, families are struggling to feed humans, and so to be able to give them some pet food to stretch into the new year is a really awesome opportunity,” said O’Connell.

Staff with the Central Texas Food Bank said they had to turn some families away on Friday, but added that there will be plenty of upcoming food distribution events.

On Saturday, McCormick Middle School in Buda will be hosting a food distribution event from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Staff said the best way to find a nearby location is through the website’s “Find Food Now” page, which can be found at this link.