EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – In the midst of one of the most economically difficult periods where families are struggling to put food on the table, pets are often a casualty of these hard times.
City Rep. Chris Canales says: “We see so many people having to surrender their animals at the animal shelter, not because they don’t want them anymore or love them anymore but because they can’t take care of their pet.”
Five months ago, the Pet Pantry program was created to alleviate animal hunger in the Borderland. You’ll find these pantries at all 14 City libraries.
Take a bag. It’s free, no questions asked. So far more than 50 tons of pet food have been given out.
Eric Pearson, president and CEO of El Paso Community Foundation, says: “If people have to make the choice between paying their light bill or putting food on the table and feeding their pet, we want to make that choice easier.”
People are not just taking pet food; they are also leaving donations of pet food inside the pantries.
Canales adds: “We have an excellent supply of donations, and we hope that it’s sustainable for the long term. We want to keep growing the program.”
The Pet Pantry program is made possible the El Paso Community Foundation in collaboration with the City of El Paso.
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