The Human-Animal Support Coalition is partnering with Temple Christian Outreach to address pet food insecurity in Central Texas.
TEMPLE, Texas — When families struggle to put food on the table, their pets often go hungry too. A local organization is working to change that by ensuring furry family members don’t get left behind.
The Human-Animal Support Coalition partnered with Temple Christian Outreach to provide food and supplies for both people and their pets in a special distribution event that highlighted a growing need in the community.
The organization’s mission is simple but vital: keeping families together, including their four-legged members.
“Help keep pets in the homes where they’re loved and out of animal shelters by providing affordable, accessible resources to pet parents,” said Amy Dixon, Director of the Human-Animal Support Coalition.
Dixon explained that pet food insecurity is an often-overlooked aspect of the broader food crisis affecting communities.
“Where people are hungry, pets are hungry,” Dixon said. “We have more than we normally would bring because of everything that is going on in our current climate…. We’re getting more requests, we’re getting more emails coming in for food. People are concerned.”
The event offered pet food for dogs and cats– including community cats (or strays). But it wasn’t just kibble– leashes, toys, collars, pet beds and blankets were available as well.
For many attendees, their pets represent far more than just animals.
“I can’t tell you how many times we have heard people come and say, ‘I went through this challenging time, and the only thing that got me through it was my pet,'” Dixon shared. “That’s why we work extra hard to keep pets with their people. That’s where they belong.”
One future cat owner, who has experienced recent loss, found hope at the event.
“I’ve lost some, and I think this will be helpful for me,” they said, preparing to welcome a cat named Mimsie into their home. “It’s like a mini Christmas. It still has [a] cost, you know, you still got to buy all the pet food and all the toys and the collars.”
Alan attended with his dog Chewy, short for Chewbacca, calling the event “very helpful, especially with everything going on.” His canine companion “provides some relief from the daily grind,” he explained.
Anthony, who ended up taking over care of two puppies from a family member, couldn’t imagine life without them now.
“They’re just by your side all the time,” Anthony told 6 News. “Just a constant companion that will help, and they’re always there for you, right beside you.”
When asked what the event meant to him, Anthony said, “It means a whole lot. As long as they’re taken care of, I’m satisfied, well satisfied.”
A young girl at the event simply described her pets as “the world to me.”
The organization emphasized that they don’t want to separate families — including “fur children from parents,” as Dixon put it. By providing resources to help families care for their pets, they’re working to prevent animals from ending up in shelters when their owners face financial hardship.
