New Yorkers are struggling to feed themselves and their pets as food costs rise

""They're like your kids. I know mine are," said Daisy Santiago, 58, who has two Shih Tzus, Nico and Kimora. "Sometimes I go without buying stuff that I need, like a gallon of milk or coffee or whatever, just to get them food." The city's affordability crisis is increasingly affecting people's ability to care for their pets, according to food pantry providers and pet owners."

"Pet owners say even a couple of days' worth of food for their furry companions helps as rising rents and food costs squeeze their budgets further. Santiago said she visits the New York Common Pantry in East Harlem just for the bags of dog food that are enough to hold her dogs over for a few days until the next paycheck comes in. She works as a home health aide and money is tight."

Many New Yorkers on tight budgets struggle to afford pet food as rents and grocery prices rise. Few dedicated sources exist for pet food assistance, and demand at food pantries has increased while supplies often fall short. One in three pet surrenders this year result from housing insecurity. Pet owners report skipping their own groceries or giving pets human staples like rice and beans to stretch supplies. Short emergency supplies from pantries—enough for a few days—help some owners bridge to the next paycheck. Monthly pet food costs commonly range from about $35 to $50 for larger bags.

Read at Gothamist