Thu Sep 19 13:07:00 UTC 2024: ## PetSmart Charities Marks 350 Millionth Pet Meal Delivery, Hosts Pet Hunger Awareness Day Events
**PHOENIX, Sept. 19, 2024** – PetSmart Charities, in partnership with Feeding America, is celebrating Pet Hunger Awareness Day® on Sept. 24 with special distribution events across the nation. The events will see volunteers distributing pet food to families in need at select Feeding America partner food banks.
This initiative aims to raise awareness about the significant number of pets living in homes facing food insecurity. PetSmart Charities estimates that 30 million pets live with families experiencing hunger.
The distribution events will take place in Detroit, El Paso, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New York City, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Tampa Bay. Pet parents in need are encouraged to contact their local food banks to see if they offer pet food assistance.
This effort is part of PetSmart Charities’ ongoing commitment to address pet hunger. The organization has already delivered over 350 million pet meals through partnerships with Feeding America, Meals on Wheels America, and other organizations.
“For a majority of people in America, family includes pets,” said Linda Nageotte, president and chief operating officer at Feeding America. “Their love and dedication in ensuring all members of their families – pets included – have access to the food and resources they need to thrive, makes our partnership with PetSmart Charities critical.”
PetSmart Charities also supports the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets program, which provides pet meals alongside food delivery for seniors. This partnership recognizes the crucial role pets play in the well-being of older adults and helps keep them together in their homes.
“We’re grateful for our partnerships with Feeding America and Meals on Wheels America and encourage all social services agencies to consider adding services for pets, too,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “When times are tough, we want to ensure people have access to the resources they need to make sure their pets can stay in their homes doing what they do best – giving unconditional love and companionship.”
To support PetSmart Charities’ efforts, donations can be made online at PetSmartCharities.org. Alphia, a pet food co-manufacturer, is matching donations up to $40,000 through September 30.
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