Upstate Giving, July 30, 2018

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Meals on Wheels gets Pet Food Program support

Meals on Wheels of Greenville has received a grant for $800 from Meals on Wheels America to support its Pet Food Program. This program provides donated dog and cat food monthly to homebound individuals served by Meals on Wheels who are unable to care for their pets.

The Pet Food Program was started in 2003 after Meals on Wheels volunteers noticed that some clients were sharing their meals with their pets, according to a news release. Often, a dog or cat is the only companion a homebound individual has, and that companionship can help combat isolation and loneliness. Providing food to care for these pets ensures both owner and pet have the nutrition they need and can remain together, the release said.

Currently, 126 Meals on Wheels clients receive pet food. This grant will fund supplies to support the program, including bags to portion out the food, labels and storage bins.