Mobile Meals is proud to announce that it has received a $2,500 grant from Meals on Wheels America to support its client pet support program. Funding will be used to provide food, supplies and care for the pets of area clients, which can often be a financial and physical challenge for clients to do so on their own.

“Our meal recipients sometimes suffer from loneliness and isolation. Having a pet can give them the much needed company they long to have each day. Mobile Meals’ priority is to feed the senior and to help the recipients live independently and remain in their homes as long as possible by giving them meals. It brings us joy to deliver a small bag of donated dry pet food once a month for those recipients who need a little assistance with feeding their pet,” said Jayne McQueen, President and CEO of Mobile Meals.

In total, Meals on Wheels America has granted over $200,000 to nearly 100 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 the former Banfield Charitable Trust. To date, the grant program has distributed more than $2.4 million in funding and pet food donations.

“While pets are invaluable companions to homebound seniors, positively impacting their health and well-being, they can also be a challenge to care for alone,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “The Meals on Wheels Loves Pets program enables Mobile Meals to provide pet food and other necessary services to ease some of that burden and make it possible for local seniors and their beloved pets to stay together.”

The Companion Pet Program at Mobile Meals is funded by either grants specifically for pet food or donated bags of dry dog or cat food. Once a month recipients who are in need of assistance with the pet food are given a bag of pet food for their dog or cat. If you would like to know more about the Companion Pet Program call Katie Martin at Mobile Meals 864-573-7684.