HOUSTON—
AniMeals on Wheels aims to help low income senior citizens stay in their homes, independently, for as long as possible."Many food programs realized a number of years ago that people with limited food would share what they had with their pets because they want to keep their pets," says Denise Atkerson, Director of Volunteer Services with Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. "We want them to eat their food and be able to keep their pets," she says "pets are such an emotional support for seniors. For some, it's a reason to get up in the morning."
In Harris County, the program distributes about five thousand pounds of cat and dog food a month, feeding approximately 775 pets that belong to about 315 seniors. It provides ten pounds of food per dog and four pounds per cat.
Interfaith Ministries, in partnership with Houston's SPCA coordinates the program. Atkerson says donations (cash or food) and volunteers are always in demand.
