A big soup kitchen on Long Island is now helping families feed their pets too. The Mary Brennan INN in Hempstead started giving out free pet food to people who need help with meals.
This new program works with the Nassau County SPCA. They want to keep it going even after the holidays.
Why This Matters
Many families struggle to buy food. Over 175,000 people in Nassau and Suffolk counties face food problems, according to Feeding America. About 78,000 in Nassau and 97,600 in Suffolk.
Pets feel it too. Families love their animals and do not want to give them up because of money issues.
Program Details
It started in November. Already, about 100 families got pet food and supplies.
County leader Bruce Blakeman said at a news event: “This time of year should be the most wonderful.” He noted many pet owners need help feeding their animals.
Dana Lopez from Mary Brennan INN said they are happy to team up with the SPCA. “We can now give free pet food to the guests we already help.”
This is the first program like this in Nassau County. There is none in Suffolk yet.
County comptroller Elaine Phillips added: “Food insecurity is real and pets feel the same.”
More Help in the Area
Last month, the county gave extra money โ $50,000 a week โ to big food groups like Island Harvest and Long Island Cares. This was because federal help stopped for a bit.
This pet food effort shows how communities come together. It helps keep families and their pets stay together during hard times.