New York City Launches Free Pet Food Program at 22 Food Pantries

This program follows Mayor Mamdani's earlier decision to triple the baseline funding for DSS’s Community Food Connection (CFC) program, which supports over 700 food pantries across the city. The Mamdani Administration has earmarked $78 million for food distribution in Fiscal Year 2027, alongside an additional $500,000 specifically for pet food.

As living costs increase, many New Yorkers are struggling to feed their pets, often leading to difficult decisions about surrendering beloved animals. The initiative aims to ease this burden by offering free dog and cat food at the same locations where families pick up their grocery supplies. The city is also enhancing spay and neuter services to support animal welfare further.

“The affordability crisis impacts everyone in a household, including pets,” stated Mayor Mamdani. “No one should have to choose between their own meals and their pets. Our investment of $500,000 will facilitate free pet food at 22 pantries across the boroughs, complementing our tripled funding for food pantries throughout the city.”

DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton added, “For many, pets are family. With this new funding, families can now pick up their pet food during their grocery visits, making it easier to care for all household members.”

MOAW Director Allie Taylor noted that animal welfare is closely tied to human health and stability. “By providing pet food assistance in communities, we help ensure that financial stress doesn’t lead to separation from beloved animals,” she remarked.

Starting October 19, the following food pantries will offer free pet food:

**Bronx:**

Part of the Solution: 2759 Webster Ave., 10458

New York Common Pantry: 1290 Hoe Ave., 10459

Davidson Community Center: 2038 Davidson Ave., 10453

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center: 3067 Kingsbridge Terrace, 10463

**Queens:**

First United Methodist Church of Jamaica: 162-10 Highland Ave., 11432

River Fund: 89-11 Lefferts Boulevard, 11418

Yeshua Worldwide Ministries Food Pantry: 7911 Caldwell Ave., 11379

Hour Children Community Outreach: 36-49 11th Street, 11106

**Brooklyn:**

Community Help in Park Slope: 200 Fourth Ave., 11217

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty: 5361 Preston Court, 11234

On the Go Relief: 2832 Fulton Street, 11207

St. John’s Bread and Life Food Pantry: 795 Lexington Ave., 11221

The Campaign Against Hunger: 2004 Fulton Street, 11233

YMCA Community Market: 2980 West 29th Street, 11224

**Manhattan:**

Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen Pantry: 296 Ninth Ave., 10001

New York Common Pantry: 8 East 109th Street, 10029

St. Clemens Food Pantry: 423 West 46th Street, 10036

The Father’s Heart Ministries: 543-545 East 11th Street, 10009

Lower Eastside Girls Club: 402 East 8th Street, 10009

Trinity’s Services and Food for the Homeless: 602 East 9th Street, 10009

**Staten Island:**

Project Hospitality: 205 Canal Street, 10304

Feeding with TLC: 309 St. Paul’s Ave., 10304

Harvey Epstein, Chair of the NYC Council Animal Welfare Caucus, expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing that it addresses the rising cost of living affecting many families. Council Member Shirley Aldebol highlighted that this program will alleviate financial pressures and help keep pets in loving homes, reducing demand for overcrowded shelters.

Risa Weinstock, President and CEO of Animal Care Centers of NYC, stressed that the initiative not only offers pet food but also connects families with critical community resources.

Community leaders and organizations have acknowledged the importance of this initiative in preventing unnecessary pet surrenders and ensuring families can remain intact during tough financial times.