PetSmart Charities renews $3 million grant to Meals on Wheels America

PetSmart Charities has renewed its commitment of $3 million to fund its second 3-year partnership with Meals on Wheels America. Through this agreement, Meals on Wheels America will be able to provide senior citizens in need with access to pet assistance services such as pet food deliveries and veterinary care.

"PetSmart Charities' sustained support of Meals on Wheels helps preserve the extraordinary relationships many homebound seniors have with their furry companions by removing some of the common barriers they face to pet ownership," said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, in an organizational release.¹

The partnership between the companies helped provide over 380 grants to local Meals on Wheels programs that help support both older adults and their pets, provide funding for critical research, and support the creation of key resources to expand offered pet programming between 2020-2022. This funding also helped serve 25,000 older adults and 41,000 pets, with 97% of its clients disclosing the pet programming helped them keep their pets.¹

"This meaningful partnership has made an incredible impact," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities, in the release.¹ “For many older people, pets are their only consistent source of companionship. Their loyal presence eases feelings of isolation and can help improve physical and emotional wellness. We're proud to support these innovative programs in collaboration with Meals on Wheels America, ensuring the critical needs of both people and pets are met."

Reference

PetSmart Charities® renews $3 million grant to Meals on Wheels America to benefit seniors and their pets. News release. Meals on Wheels America. February 16, 2023. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petsmart-charities-renews-3-million-grant-to-meals-on-wheels-america-to-benefit-seniors-and-their-pets-301747927.html