Banfield Charitable Trust recently provided low-income seniors at Old Colony Elder Services in Brockton, Massachusetts, USA, with a petfood distribution grant.

"Low-income seniors are among America's millions struggling with hunger and food insecurity. Many seniors and individuals with disabilities receive nutritious daily meals through Old Colony's Meals on Wheels program. In an effort to keep seniors and their beloved pets well-nourished, Old Colony now also provides nutrition support for their pets," said Old Colony's enterprising executive director, Diana DiGiorgi.

Meals on Wheels volunteers noticed the need after seeing that some recipients who could not afford petfood were also sharing their human food meals with their pet.

The US$2,500 grant helps Old Colony purchase and distribute dog food and cat food to clients, allowing them to remain in their homes and still care for their pets. Old Colony was already receiving help from Hanson Grain Co., which has donated a considerable amount of dog food, DiGiorgi said. So, the Banfield grant allows Old Colony to expand services and equally divide the money between dog and cat food.