Residents in Hays County were given a helping hand—or rather, a helping paw—on Saturday as the Central Texas Food Bank joined forces with the Hays County Pet Resource Center. The two organizations came together at McCormick Middle School in Buda to distribute food to people and their furry companions during a drive-up event that aimed not just to alleviate hunger but also to maintain the bond between pet owners and their animals. According to CBS Austin, the event, open to the entire community, successfully continued its mission from a similar event held in March that supported over 250 families.
The gesture was more than a simple charity; it looked to combat a more insidious problem that pet owners often face. "The affordability of pet food can be a barrier for families,” Lee Ann Shenefiel, Austin Pets Alive! executive advisor and project coordinator told KVUE. She further explained that the Hays County Pet Resource Center is dedicated to keeping pets out of shelters and in the company of their human families by providing access to these necessary resources. The rising costs of living factor into decisions that sometimes force owners to surrender pets they cannot afford to feed—something this event strives to prevent.
Not only did the event bolster community spirit, but it also provided tangible relief to those in need. "We're excited to continue this partnership with Hays County Pet Resource Center to ensure that families, including pets, have access to food," Sari Vatske, president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank, said in a statement obtained by KVUE. The organizers were thrilled with the turnout at McCormick Middle School, where enough food was given away to sustain hundreds of dogs and cats, in addition to assisting people in need.
This latest aid initiative marks the second pet food distribution event in Buda. It cements the partnership between the Central Texas Food Bank and Hays County Pet Resource Center as a beacon of hope for individuals struggling to provide for both their families and their pets. Continuing their missions, the organizations hope to never stop providing such essential services to those who find themselves at a crossroads, choosing between family members and financial restraint—a choice that no one should have to make.
