AniMeals on Wheels Will Help The Pets of Fayette Co. Seniors

Thanks to a partnership between Meals on Wheels Rural Capital Area and a Fayette County donor, some area residents will receive pet food deliveries on a monthly basis. The program, AniMeals on Wheels, will provide senior clients of Meals on Wheels with pet food once a month, pet supplies as needed, and assistance with basic veterinary care.

On a sunny Saturday morning in 2021, a La Grange resident and staff members of Combined Community Action (CCA) were chatting while volunteering together. Discussing Meals on Wheels Rural Capital Area (MOWRCA), and the direction of current and future programs for both CCA and MOWRCA, one item discussed was a pet assistance program for homebound seniors.

A volunteer with MOWRCA had recently discovered that one of her clients was sharing her delivered food with her cats. Realizing the woman was sacrificing her own health in order to keep her beloved companions fed, the volunteer brought the problem to the local site manager, who shared it with the MOWRCA program director, and it went up the chain from there and the AniMeals on Wheels program was created. Slated to provide much needed items like pet food and general supplies, it also will help cover costs associated with spaying, neutering and other basic veterinary care according to AniMeals on Wheels Program Manager Karen Walpole.

Elderly clients on very limited incomes were having to decide between feeding themselves or sharing food with their beloved furry companions, a decision that staff members knew no one should have to make. “We knew that this was a serious problem that needed to be looked at in our communities”

“Meals on Wheels Rural Capital Area clients depend on their animals for companionship and love and so often, they can’t afford to feed their animals or provide veterinary care for their pets. There was an overwhelming need, so the staff of MOWRCA and CCA researched options, sought out other programs across the country for feedback and developed this program.”

Fayette County seniors were asked about their animal companions and any struggles or needs they might have in caring for their pets. Results showed that 58% of Fayette County seniors who responded have at least one pet in the home and that the majority of those companions had been with them for five years or more. Over half of those clients stated the costs of pet ownership have been a struggle in the past and a program to help would be a very welcome addition for already strained budgets.

“Working with area animal services providers and resources we will be able to make sure that our senior neighbors have their best friend by their side and that the basic needs of both are being served,” said Ms. Walpole. “For elderly pet owners who often live alone, pets can help with heart health, improved activity levels and overall mental health. Interaction with a pet can lower blood pressure and cholesterol and being with a pet increases levels of serotonin which can help calm anxiety. Pets are also welcome company, reminding seniors that they are still capable of being loved and needed.”

Walking, grooming or playing with a pet increases physical activity and exercise. This care also increases the opportunities for social interactions with neighbors helping to decrease loneliness in seniors. Those who own a pet tend to take better care of themselves because caring for a pet can help to develop routines, encouraging owners to eat regularly or complete chores.

Seniors who do not currently own a pet now have the opportunity to adopt from the Fayette County Animal Shelter, with MOWRCA covering adoptions fees.

AniMeals on Wheels is holding a volunteer drive meeting on Feb. 5 and all residents are welcome to join at the Meadows Building located at 275 E. Ellinger Rd. in La Grange. Deliveries will be made during weekend hours so organizers hope area youth groups come out to support efforts. If you would like more information about the pet program, or any of the programs offered by Combined Community Action or Meals on Wheels Rural Capital Area, contact their office at (979) 540-2980.