Animal Farm Foundation Launches Innovative Pet Food Pantry Program
In a bid to combat food insecurity for families and their pets, the Animal Farm Foundation (AFF) in Dutchess County, New York, has launched an innovative program. The Family Food Pantry initiative, running during Hunger Action Month, ensures that pets are not left out when their owners face tough times. The program, operating through 11 local food pantries, has already spent $138,328 on pet food.
The program, spearheaded by AFF's Executive Director Bernice Clifford, aims to provide a one-stop solution for families to access essentials, including pet food. This is particularly crucial given the high cost of pet food, with 76% of respondents in a July 2024 poll citing it as the most expensive pet ownership cost. The program has been funded primarily by AFF, with local partners contributing some supplies.
One such pantry, run by a local volunteer group next to the Harold Lipton Community Center in Ulster County, serves as a model for the initiative. It's not linked to a specific formal order but is sustained by community volunteers under local food pantry organizations. The goal is to create a community model that can be adopted across the country, sustained by funding from sponsors. The program has already shown success, with many families, like those at the Dutchess Outreach Center in Poughkeepsie, NY, able to stay together thanks to access to pet food.
The Family Food Pantry program, operating during Hunger Action Month, is a testament to the community's commitment to supporting families and their pets during difficult times. With $138,328 already spent on pet food and a model that can be replicated nationwide, the initiative is making a significant impact on pet owners struggling with food insecurity.
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