Pet Food Stamp Program Debuts

As a result of the uncertain U.S. economy and subsequent high unemployment rate, nearly 47 million people have used the Federal Food Stamp Program, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Federal food stamp program is a godsend for people whose income level qualifies them for financial assistance so they can get back on their feet. But since food stamps exclude the cost of pet food or pet supplies, what is to become of the fur-family members whose guardians have been struck by hard times, and can no longer afford the cost of feeding their beloved pets?

While it’s true that some people believe pets are a luxury, and the folks who no longer can afford to feed them should not have a pet. But the overwhelming majority of animal lovers consider their fur companions part of the family. Just the thought of having to give them away or surrender them to a shelter where they will most likely be euthanized is devastating.

So the other day I was thrilled to learn about Pet Food Stamps, a new and exciting program that has just been launched. It is a donation- based program and is not subsidized by the U.S. government. Pet Food Stamps will provide assistance to verified and approved low income families and food stamp recipients who otherwise would not be able to afford to feed their fur family members.

Although the Pet Food Stamps program is based in New York, it is open to anyone living in the United States. In just the past two weeks over 45,000 pets have already signed up. In fact, so many people have expressed interest in the program that the Pet Food Stamps’ website has already crashed several times due to extremely heavy traffic. 

How the program works:

The only way to apply for the program is through the online application on the website. Once the program’s new office is open, snail mail applications will be accepted.

Once an applicant is a verified and an approved member of the Pet Food Stamps program, the Pet Food Stamps program staff will place the pet owner’s order with  PetFoodDirect, based on the amount awarded with the applicant’s application approval, and the pet’s needs for a period of six months.

PetFoodDirect is an independent retailer and is NOT a subsidiary or affiliated in any way with the Pet Food Stamps program.

Since Pet Food Stamps is a non-profit organization (status pending) donations will be welcome. Marc Okon told ABC News, “We’re not looking for government funding at this point. Should the government be willing to provide assistance further down the line, we will look into it.”

Get Involved:

Folks wishing to donate may do so at Pet Food Stamps’ Secure Website. If you get a “busy signal” keep trying. I was able to access the site by refreshing the page several times.

Watch the video uploaded to YouTube by 2013 Newschannel to “meet” Marc Okon and learn more about Pet Food Stamps—a greatly needed compassionate program

How do you feel about the Pet Food Stamps program? Share your opinions in a comment.