Join CTFB and Hays PRC for a Food Distribution Event: Nourishing Families and Their Furry Friends!

This Saturday, March 22, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., the Central Texas Food Bank and Hays County Pet Resource Center will host a drive-up food distribution at McCormick Middle School in Buda. This event is available to everyone in Hays County. You don’t need to bring your pets to receive pet food.

This marks the fifth pet food distribution in Buda. In 2024, the food bank and pet center held four similar events, providing food assistance to over 1,500 pets. They will distribute both dog and cat food, with Spanish-speaking assistance available as well.

Lee Ann Shenefiel, the Director at Hays County Pet Resource Center, emphasizes the importance of their work: “We’re providing real support that makes a difference. By creating lasting solutions, we help families and their pets stay together.”

This initiative has support from Feeding America and Pet Smart Charities, contributing vital pet food supplies. In 2025, there will be three more similar events scheduled for June 28, September 27, and December 27.

Sari M. Vatske, President and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank, highlighted the event’s broader impact: “Supporting our neighbors and their pets positively affects the entire household. Together, we ensure that pets can stay with their families while everyone gets the nutrition they need.”

The event is also looking for volunteers, especially those fluent in Spanish, to help with various tasks from 8 a.m. to noon. If you’re interested in helping out, you can reach them at [email protected].

Hays County Pet Resource Center is the first municipal shelter system to merge human and animal welfare initiatives. By utilizing data-driven education and community partnerships, they aim to connect these two essential services. Their partnership with Austin Pets Alive started in 2023, focusing on innovative solutions to save lives and keep families together.

Austin Pets Alive! is a notable nonprofit that works to save at-risk animals and educate the public. In the largest No Kill city in America, they assist over 10,000 pets each year, giving them a better chance at life. For more about their programs, visit austinpetsalive.org.

The Central Texas Food Bank is the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger in the region, covering a 21-county area. They assist more than 530,000 individuals dealing with food insecurity through direct service and partnerships with about 240 community organizations. For additional details, check out their website at centraltexasfoodbank.org.

With increasing food insecurity issues nationwide, community efforts like this are crucial. According to a recent USDA report, nearly 10.5% of American households faced food insecurity in 2022, highlighting the rising need for support in our communities. Activities like these not only help provide immediate relief but foster a sense of community and stability for both people and their pets.

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