Target: Brooke Rollins, Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture
Goal: Ensure pets from economically distressed homes receive access to food.
A recent halt in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits highlighted the often-overlooked toll of food insecurity on pets. Desperate individuals who were already enduring less assistance and sustenance found themselves unable to feed their cherished pets. Shelters have seen an uptick in abandoned pets, and pet food pantry shortages are rising due to growing demand. But even after the short-term crisis, the struggle will remain.
An estimated 20 million pets live in poverty alongside their owners. Many pet parents want to see their pets fed before themselves, which is why economic stressors are inseparably linked with the surrender of pets. As funding continues to be cut for assisting the impoverished, these problems will only grow. Compounding the issue is a prohibition against using SNAP benefits for pet food.
Sign the petition below to urge a removal of this barrier that is leaving pets across the country hungry.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Rollins,
“They’re more important to me than I am, so I want to make sure they’re fed first.” This pet pantry visitor spoke for many pet parents nationwide in describing the panic many feel for their beloved fur babies during times of intense economic struggle. The recent chaos and uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits and other forms of assistance have only driven home the need.
At a time that is supposed to be marked by the spirit of generosity and giving, please reconsider the ban that prohibits the purchase of pet food through the SNAP system. If SNAP recipients could use a portion of their benefits to feed their cherished pets, they would likely receive a physical and mental lifeline.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Veeru Edits
