RICHMOND, Va. – Knowing that seniors with pets are 36 percent less likely to report loneliness and have 21 percent fewer doctor visits*, FeedMore is proud to announce that it has received a $2,500 grant from Meals on Wheels America for its Meals for Pets program. Funding will be used to help FeedMore provide food, supplies and care for the homebound seniors and disabled neighbors with pets – all of which can be financially and physically burdensome.
“For many of our Meals on Wheels recipeints, their pets are a member of their family and provide them with companionship, while helping reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness,” said Katie Jantzi, Director of Meals on Wheels and Senior Nutrition Programs at FeedMore. “This grant will help provide more than 4,700 pounds of dog and cat food to around 305 pets this year, allowing us to us to continue to deliver more than a meal to our recipients and their four-legged companions.”
In total, Meals on Wheels America has granted $300,000 to 162 local Meals on Wheels programs through the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets initiative this year. Funding is made possible in part through a donation from Banfield Charitable Trust (BCT), who in October of 2015, handed over all funding and grants administration responsibilities for their popular Pet Assistance Grant Program to Meals on Wheels America. To date, the grant program has distributed more than $2.1 million in funding and pet food donations to over 300 local Meals on Wheels programs across the nation.
“The Meals on Wheels Loves Pets initiative is just another way that Meals on Wheels can deliver so much more than just a meal,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “Through grant funding, educational opportunities and in-kind donations for our member programs, we hope to grow current pet programs and help those looking to start new ones.”
