Meals on Wheels grant offers more help to pet owners struggling to feed pets through new Pet Food Program - WYFF4 Greenville

Meals on Wheels grant offers more help to pet owners struggling to feed pets through new Pet Food Program - WYFF4 Greenville

(Above video was published last October on the 50th anniversary of Meals on Wheels in Greenville.)There's new help in Greenville for pet owners who struggle to care for their furry friends. Meals on Wheels of Greenville has received a grant for $2,500 from Meals on Wheels America to support its Pet Food Program, the organization said Monday.The program provides donated dog and cat food monthly to homebound individuals served by Meals on Wheels who are unable to care for their pets on their own. The Pet Food Program was started in 2003 after Meals on Wheels volunteers noticed that some clients were sharing their meals with their pets. "Often, a dog or cat is the only companion a homebound individual has and that companionship can help combat isolation and loneliness," Meals on Wheels representative Emily Zheng said. "Providing food to care for these pets ensures both owner and pet have the nutrition they need and can remain together."Almost 130 Meals on Wheels clients currently receive pet food, Zheng said. "This grant will fund much needed supplies to support this program, including food to supplement donated product along with additional shelving for pet food storage areas." she said.Meals on Wheels America has granted more than $100,000 to more than 40 local Meals on Wheels programs through the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets initiative this year, officials said.The grant program has distributed more than $2.5 million in funding and pet food donations.

GREENVILLE, S.C. —

(Above video was published last October on the 50th anniversary of Meals on Wheels in Greenville.)

There's new help in Greenville for pet owners who struggle to care for their furry friends.

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Meals on Wheels of Greenville has received a grant for $2,500 from Meals on Wheels America to support its Pet Food Program, the organization said Monday.

The program provides donated dog and cat food monthly to homebound individuals served by Meals on Wheels who are unable to care for their pets on their own.

The Pet Food Program was started in 2003 after Meals on Wheels volunteers noticed that some clients were sharing their meals with their pets.

"Often, a dog or cat is the only companion a homebound individual has and that companionship can help combat isolation and loneliness," Meals on Wheels representative Emily Zheng said. "Providing food to care for these pets ensures both owner and pet have the nutrition they need and can remain together."

Almost 130 Meals on Wheels clients currently receive pet food, Zheng said.

"This grant will fund much needed supplies to support this program, including food to supplement donated product along with additional shelving for pet food storage areas." she said.

Meals on Wheels America has granted more than $100,000 to more than 40 local Meals on Wheels programs through the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets initiative this year, officials said.

The grant program has distributed more than $2.5 million in funding and pet food donations.