Pacific Grove, Calif. – February 18th, 2021 – Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula (MOWMP) announced today it has received an emergency pet food grant through a partnership between Meals on Wheels America (MOWA) and PetSmart Charities to help keep seniors on the Monterey Peninsula and their pets together during this challenging time.
Funding will be used to support MOWMP’s AniMEALS program that provides meal and bulk pet food delivery to homebound seniors and their animals.
Amid stay-at-home guidance and other health and safety measures in place to protect against COVID-19, homebound seniors are experiencing the impacts of diminished social connection. While pet ownership is known to lower instances of illness and feelings of isolation, many clients on the program face difficulties procuring pet food and supplies.
“In the wake of COVID-19, many local seniors became homebound practically overnight, finding themselves isolated from vital social connections,” says Christine Winge, MOWMP’s executive director. “Our staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to serve an influx of older adults in need, which includes preserving the indispensable relationships they have with their pets,” she continues. “This generous funding from Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities helps make that possible.”
In 2020, MOWMP distributed 7,160 pounds of pet food donated by the SPCA Monterey County. Additional support for the program is provided annually by the Doris Day Animal Foundation.
