Rachel Thompson in North St. Paul has turned her Little Free Library into a Community Care Shelf that includes providing pet food to those in need.
NORTH ST PAUL, Minn. — Since the pandemic, Rachel Thompson has found ways to help her neighbors in North St. Paul.
It started in March 2020 with a “Little Free Food Shelf” stocked with non-perishable food, books and puzzles at the end of her driveway. Then, she started the North St. Paul Christmas Tree Project to gift families during the holidays.
Now, she’s responding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit cuts amid the government shutdown. SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy pet food.
“Nobody should have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets. So if I can help in a little way, I want to do that,” Thompson said. “There’s nothing more important than taking care of the people around you.”
Last week, Thompson converted her Little Free Library into a Community Care Shelf. It’s stocked with both pet food and hygiene products like laundry detergent and soap. Donations have been coming in from her neighbors.
“Both of these tubs were full yesterday, as was the Little Library,” said Thompson, as she restocked the Community Care Shelf.
“We just need to get a few more products out here, especially with things in flux right now,” she said. “Nobody really knows what’s going to happen and, frankly, these are things that when the economy is tough that people need anyway.”
The Bond Between is also seeing an increase in demand, especially at their Pet Food Shelf in Minneapolis.
“A lot of families coming in, we used to see about 100 new households a month. Now we’re seeing 200 people signing up for services. They need pet food supplies, vouchers for spay/neuter surgeries, anything they can’t afford elsewhere,” said Carrie Openshaw, director of community engagement.
Openshaw said they distribute about 50,000 pounds of food and litter every month, serving about 1,200 households.
The SNAP benefit cuts come at a time when the nonprofit is already seeing about 25% more people applying to surrender their cats compared to last year.
“We know people are just making really tough choices related to their housing or pet support,” Openshaw said.
On Monday, the Trump administration announced SNAP benefits will restart but will be half the normal amount. It’s unclear how soon SNAP recipients will receive their benefits.
“I think with the uncertainty, people are going to… do what they can to try and save what money they do have,” Openshaw said. “So we’re expecting that increase still to happen. We’re going to see more families coming to our pet food shelf for sure.”
The Bond Between lists online a number of ways people can help. Thompson is also accepting donations that can either be dropped off at her home at 2727 9th Ave. E. in North St. Paul or monetary donations can be made through Venmo: @Rachel-Thompson-122.
Twin Cities Pet Evolution stores are collecting pet food, toys and supplies to benefit local food pantries during the month of November. Customers who donate will get 10% off their same-day purchase.
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