Julie Wittmann runs Pet Food Bank Lakeside, an independent partner of FoodBank Lakeside near Lake Chapala, Mexico. According to the report, the pet food program now provides food for more than 1,200 dogs and cats each month.
Families receiving FoodBank Lakeside's despensas, which are bags of basic groceries and household essentials, are asked how many pets they have. That is how the two programs connect.
Julie started the effort during COVID-19. The report says she asked local veterinarians what was needed most. She bought 25-kilogram bags of food, repackaged them herself, and distributed them in local communities. The effort grew into Pet Food Bank Lakeside.
The report says the program's six-year update included more than 20 volunteers and the ability to prepare a month's supply of food in under two hours. Volunteers also visit local schools to teach children about pet care.
Julie said: "We believe food scarcity shouldn't separate families from their pets."
Steve Motenko, a FoodBank Lakeside leader, described Julie as admirable and said she has done an extraordinary amount to help pets in the Lakeside community.