Food Assistance Program
Keep Tails Wagging and Tummies Full
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At SPCA Florida, we know pets are family—and everyone deserves to keep them fed, even during tough times. That’s why our Food Assistance Program (FAP) helps make mealtime easier for cats and dogs.
Each month our team of staff and volunteers has distributed about 4,000 pounds of donated pet food to Polk County families in need. The program provides a reliable source of nutritious food for pets when finances are tight.
Food distribution is drive-up style on the fourth Sunday of every month, 9–11 a.m., at the SPCA Florida campus. You must be a Polk County resident and have a valid Florida driver’s license is required for pick up. Can’t make it? With notice someone else may pick up your pet’s food for you. Check our event calendar for scheduled dates.
Qualifications
To qualify for food assistance, you must be a Polk County resident and have proof of public assistance, such as:
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State or federally funded welfare program
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Food Stamps
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Social Security or SSI Disability
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Disabled Veteran benefits
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Unemployment assistance
Once approved, your household is eligible for the calendar year, with requalification needed in January. Food is distributed first-come, first-served, and while we do our best, we cannot guarantee the same brands or quantities each month.
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Please Note
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Distribution is first-come, first-served.
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SPCA Florida cannot guarantee:
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The same food every month
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A consistent supply of food each month
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Food for this program is donated and may:
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Be opened and resealed
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Be expired
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Special brand requests cannot be accommodated.
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SPCA Florida reserves the right to refuse service.
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Please check food before giving it to your pets.
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Due to volume, we cannot inspect every bag.
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If the food is not suitable, call us — we will try to provide replacements.
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Over the past three years, over 17,000 pets have been fed thanks to our generous donors. All pets on the program must be spayed or neutered—if they aren’t yet, documentation is required within three months of signup.
We’re here to support you and your pets because everyone
deserves a full bowl and a happy heart.
For more information or to schedule your appointment
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Call: 863-577-4600
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Dream Bins Program
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Our Dream Bins program allows us to keep donations that we are unable to utilize here at SPCA Florida from going to waste. Once a week, our volunteers work with our outreach programs coordinator to sort through all our miscellaneous donations to determine where they are needed and how best to use them. These donations may be used in our own outreach work, such as our Food Assistance Program, or re-donated to local organizations. By partnering with other local nonprofit organizations, such as the Dream Center, we pass along some of the generous donations we receive to help support others who are supporting our Lakeland community.