RICHMOND, Va. – FeedMore, Central Virginia’s core-hunger relief organization, announced that it has received a $2,500 grant from Meals on Wheels America for its Meals for Pets program. Funding from the grant will help FeedMore continue to provide food, supplies and care for Meals on Wheels recipients with pets – all of which can be financially and physically burdensome.
“We understand the important role pets play in combatting feelings of isolation and loneliness in our Meals on Wheels recipients,” said Doug Pick, Chief Executive Officer at FeedMore. “This grant will help us continue to ensure our region’s homebound seniors and disabled neighbors, and their furry companions, can remain living at home with dignity and are taken care of in mind, body and spirit.”
In total, Meals on Wheels America has granted $300,000 to 193 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. To date, the grant program has distributed more than $2.4 million in funding and pet food donations.
“While the benefits of companionship are clear, taking care of a pet can be financially and physically challenging for seniors,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “Meals on Wheels Loves Pets help local Meals on Wheels providers alleviate this hardship and at the same time reduce the negative effects of isolation.”
This grant will help FeedMore provide pet food to 208 Meals on Wheels pet owners in Central Virginia, serving 281 pets.
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.