Meals on Wheels Receives $2,500 from Meals on Wheels Loves Pets Grant!

The Athens Community Council on Aging is proud to announce that it has received a $2,500 grant from Meals on Wheels America to support Will’s Pet Pantry, a pet support program of ACCA. Funding will be used to provide food, supplies and veterinary care for the pets of local seniors, which can often be a financial and physical challenge for clients to do on their own.

“We are thrilled to receive this critical funding from Meals on Wheels America to support our pet program.  Too often, we hear about seniors sharing their meals with their pet because they cannot afford pet food,” said Eve Anthony President/CEO of ACCA. “Seniors often struggle with the decision to surrender their closest companion because of the inability to afford their care.  Funding and support for Will’s Pet Pantry allows ACCA to provide the pet care needed to keep seniors and their furry friends stay together.  We are so incredibly grateful for this support.”

In total, Meals on Wheels America has granted over $100,000 to more than 40 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 $2.5 million in funding and pet food donations.

“We know a pet’s companionship can significantly impact the physical health and mental well-being of homebound seniors for the better, but we also know that all too often, income restrictions or mobility limitations make it challenging for seniors to care for their pets without a helping hand,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “We’re thrilled that support from the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets program will enable the Athens Community Council on Aging to provide pet food and other necessary services to local seniors to reduce some of that stress and make it easier for them to remain healthy and comforted at home with their beloved companions.”

Last year, ACCA, through Will’s Pet Pantry, provided 1,371 pounds of food and other related goods and services to 47 pets. Will’s Pet Pantry was created in 2017 in memory of Will Seagraves and is supported by generous donations from the Seagraves family and other private donors.