Free pet food distribution for SNAP recipients hosted by Chicago Animal Care and Control

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) recently hosted a pet food pantry to support pet owners impacted by the recent SNAP benefit pause amid the ongoing government shutdown.

With financial assistance halted for thousands of families nationwide, many pet owners have struggled to keep up with the rising costs of caring for their pets.

“We don’t want any pet to go unfed. We don’t want you, the public, to choose between feeding yourself or your pet. We want you to be able to keep your pet in your home. The last place we want your pet to end up is at a shelter because you can’t feed them,” said Susan Cappello, acting executive director of CACC.

People began lining up as early as 7:30 a.m. to receive assistance. Jackie Smith, one of the attendees, shared her challenges: “To have to be in these lines to get what you need, and I’m disabled, so it’s a lot on my back.”

This effort by CACC aims to ease the burden on families struggling during this unprecedented government shutdown, ensuring pets continue to receive the care they deserve.

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**READ ALSO:** Government shutdown becomes longest in history: How we got here and what’s next

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*ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7.*
https://abc7chicago.com/post/free-pet-food-distribution-snap-recipients-hosted-chicago-animal-care-control-pilsen/18117130/

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