Nearly 90 million U.S. households include pets, and PetSmart Charities® estimates that 30 million pets live in homes facing food insecurity. On Pet Hunger Awareness Day® (Sept. 24), PetSmart Charities will partner with Feeding America® to raise awareness about pet hunger, helping both pets and their owners. Volunteers nationwide will distribute pet food donated by PetSmart Charities at select Feeding America partner food banks.
Feeding America reports that 1 in 6 people seek assistance from food pantries. On Sept. 24, pet parents can pick up food for themselves and their pets at participating food banks in cities like Detroit, El Paso, and New York. PetSmart Charities has delivered more than 350 million pet meals in partnership with Feeding America and Meals on Wheels America.
The PetSmart Charities and Feeding America partnership has provided over 66 million pounds of pet food since 2017. Additionally, their work with Meals on Wheels has delivered 13 million pet meals to seniors, ensuring older adults can stay with their pets.
PetSmart Charities encourages all social service agencies to consider adding pet services. Through donations, Alphia is matching contributions to PetSmartCharities.org up to $40,000 until Sept. 30.
For more details, visit PetSmart Charities, Feeding America, or Meals on Wheels America online.