Did you know that NAM strives to provide basic needs for all members of client families - including the 4-legged fur babies? Through the years, the need for pet food has steadily increased among our Meals on Wheels clients. When the pandemic shut down made it difficult for seniors to leave their homes, NAM stepped up to ensure pet food was provided for them.
With shelters and animal rescues in the Houston area continuing to be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of abandoned and surrendered animals, NAM is doing its part to ensure our clients are equipped to care for their beloved pets.
“We have 89 clients who receive food for their dogs, cats and some birds,” said Marcus, NAM Meals on Wheels Program Coordinator. “The feedback we get from the clients is very positive and appreciative. Many express their gratitude in not only receiving their meals, but also how receiving food for their pets is an extra and much-needed blessing.”
All pet food delivered is donated to NAM. In 2020, thousands of pounds of pet food was donated by our partners, establishing a routine of generosity that continues to this day. Friends of NAM Bruce and Shelby facilitated donations through Citizens for Animal Protection. Critter Care is another organization that has supplied pet food for our Meals on Wheels clients. Houston Humane Society continues to drop off thousands of pounds of dog and cat, most recently as March of 2022.
“We are so appreciative of the collaboration we have with these organizations that make it possible to support our clients in this way,” said Marcus, who also assists with delivering pet food to our Meals on Wheels clients. “One client has a gentle giant of a dog, a bulldog, who has become my ‘best friend’. She jokes that prior to delivering pet food, the dog would bark when I brought her meals. Now he is more docile because he knows I may have something for him too.”
NAM is incredibly grateful for all who continue to support our Meals on Wheels Pet Food Program, and with sustained support from the community, hope to continue providing this food assistance for the fur babies of our Meals on Wheels Seniors.
