PetSmart Charities commits $10 million to tackle pet food insecurity

The organization’s mission is to keep pets and their owners together during these unprecedented times, thus avoiding rehousing or relinquishing of animals to shelters.

More than 50 million Americans may have experienced hunger last year amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to Feeding America. With the national attention on food insecurity, the pet food insecurity crisis seems to have fallen between the cracks.

To address this growing concern, PetSmart Charities has announced its commitment of $10 million toward combatting pet food insecurity, with an ongoing partnership with Feeding America, according to an organizational release. All pet food donated by the organization will help enable the Feeding America network of food distribution partners across the US, directly impacting the quality of life of all pets in homes experiencing financial challenges.

With maxed out resources and hour-long waits at food pantries, many people are going home empty-handed. Unfortunately, some pet owners battling food insecurity are faced with making the heartbreaking decision to rehome or relinquish their pets to animal shelters.

“Historically we’ve seen many stories about pet parents in need who sacrifice to feed their pets before they feed themselves,” says president of PetSmart Charities Aimee Gilbreath, MBA, in the release. “We are proud to make this commitment to provide much-needed pet food to families across the US, ultimately helping keep pets and people together during this challenging time,” says Gilbreath.

To encourage customer donations, PetSmart Charities has also kicked off its donation drive in PetSmart stores and online.

To learn more, go here.