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"  U.S. citizens who participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program \u2014 more commonly referred to as food stamps \u2014 have some limitations to follow. While funds can be used to purchase most household foods, there are some prohibited items, including pet food. A new program, dubbed &amp;quot;Pet Food Stamps,&amp;quot; aims to extend assistance to include necessities for pets. But this program doesn&amp;#039;t get government funds. It&amp;#039;s a donation-based program that relies on gifts from individuals and groups. More From Delish: Pub Makes Beer for Dogs Marc Okon, the program&amp;#039;s founder and executive director, told ABCNews.com that more than 45,000 pets have been signed up in the past two weeks. (The program offers assistance to dogs, cats, and some small animals and reptiles.) Anyone who is receiving food stamps or lives below the poverty level is eligible to apply. Once accepted, the program is free and participants receive food from Pet Food Direct. Pet Food Stamps, which is currently an NYS pending non-profit corporation, explains on its website that it hopes to serve people who would otherwise have to abandon their pets: &amp;quot;In these rough economic times, many pet owners are forced to abandon their beloved pet to the ASPCA, North Shore Animal League or other animal shelters due to the inability to pay for their basic food supply and care. There are over 50 million Americans who currently receive Food Stamps, many with dogs or cats, who simply cannot afford to feed their animals, and these cherished companions are dropped off at animal shelters where they will most likely be put to sleep.&amp;quot;  More From Delish: Rachael Ray&amp;#039;s Dog Food Truck While food is the program&amp;#039;s main focus now, the organization hopes to expand to offer veterinary care services as well by the end of 2013. To learn more about enrolling your pet or donating, visit petfoodstamps.org. What do you think of this program? Do you think the government should provide pet care assistance?  Find more great food content on Delish: Search for the perfect recipe from our homepage Find out the latest food news Get a recipe book to save your favorite dishes Sign up for our free newsletters Check us out on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.delish.com/food/news/a39937/pet-food-stamps/>