Special Pals and Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels Team Up for AniMeals Program

Homebound senior adults with pets in Fort Bend and Waller Counties will receive pet food in daily deliveries.

HOUSTON, TEXAS, December 2, 2011 – In partnership with Special Pals animal shelter in West Houston, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels will begin delivering pet food to approximately 280 dogs and cats living with senior adults in Fort Bend and Waller Counties.

“It came to our attention that many of the senior adults we serve would share their meals with their pets, something that isn’t ideal for their health or their animals,” said Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels program director Leah Doyle. “By partnering with Special Pals for this program, we can help homebound senior adults and their pets receive a no-cost nutritious meal that’s right for each of their diets.”

Every day, the Fort Bend Seniors Meals On Wheels program provides at least one home-delivered, hot meal that meets at least 1/3 of the FDA’s recommended daily allowance of all nutrients required by senior adults. AniMeals will provide one meal of wet or dry food delivered with Meals on Wheels – totaling nearly 102,000 pet meals in an entire year.

Currently, approximately 1,400 senior adults are served by the Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels programs, and over 87% of these senior adults have household incomes under $15,000. “With incomes so low, we know that it’s sometimes toughest on the health and nutrition of animals in a family,” said Yvonne David, president of Special Pals. “We are excited about helping to get this program going for the people and pets that really need it.”

Future enhancements to the program with regard to pet health care are also planned.

This program is funded by donations of both food and monetary donations to Special Pals. To donate, visit our donation page.