Some city-funded food pantries will begin offering pet food next week for the first time — as part of the Mamdani administration’s effort to help New Yorkers afford to keep their pets.

Starting on Monday, 22 food pantries will provide dog and cat food using about $500,000 in city funding, city officials said.

Pantries cite growing demand for pet food as owners struggle to feed themselves and their pets. But few places in the city offer free pet food. With rising costs and tighter budgets, officials said many New Yorkers are surrendering their pets, crowding animal shelters.

“For many of us, a pet isn’t a luxury. It’s family. And when budgets get tight, we know people will skip their own meals before they let their animals go hungry, or worse, pressured to give them up,” Department of Social Services Commissioner Erin Dalton said in a statement.

Dalton said the measure is part of the Community Food Connection program, which funds 700 pantries across the five boroughs. This year, the Mamdani administration boosted funding for the program, including $500,000 for pet food.

The pantries will offer dry and canned food, including brands such as Gravy Train, Purina One, 9 Lives, and Cat Café. Those interested in finding a participating pantry can visit the Food Help NYC map or see the list below: