Meals for Paws 

Feeding Pets and People, One Meal at a Time


The Meals for Paws program is an extension of the Meals on Wheels initiative, designed to provide essential pet food to older adults who rely on meal deliveries or congregate meal services. Understanding the unique bond between older adults and their pets, this program ensures that pets of participating seniors receive the nourishment they need to stay healthy and happy.

By delivering pet food alongside nutritious meals, Meals for Paws helps ease the financial and emotional burden of caring for pets. This allows seniors to maintain their companionship while focusing on their own well-being. This initiative fosters a sense of security, love, and joy—not only for older adults but also for their furry companions. Through shared care and compassion, this program strengthens the lives of both people and pets, helping them thrive together.


Why Meals for Paws Matters

For many older adults, pets are a vital source of companionship and emotional support. They offer unconditional love, reduce feelings of loneliness, and bring joy during difficult times. Unfortunately, some older adults face the tough decision of whether to feed their pets or themselves. The Meals for Paws program is here to help, ensuring no senior has to choose between providing for their own needs and caring for their pets. By delivering pet food with Meals on Wheels, we help seniors continue to nurture their pets while also receiving the meals they need.


How We Make a Difference

Through the generosity of the community, we provide pet food to older adults who rely on our meal services. Meals are delivered by dedicated volunteers who ensure that both seniors and their pets receive the care they need. Meals for Paws is not just about food—it’s about offering a sense of security, joy, and connection. This program allows seniors and their pets to stay together, enhancing their quality of life and promoting mutual well-being.


In-Kind Donations for Meals for Paws

The Meals for Paws program relies entirely on donations to make this vital service possible. We are deeply grateful for the support of individuals, organizations, and local businesses that help keep this program running. Your contributions directly impact the lives of older adults and their pets, helping to ease the financial burden and improve their overall health and happiness.

We accept the following in-kind donations:

  • Pet Food – Canned or dry food for dogs and cats (all life stages).
  • Pet Supplies – Bowls, leashes, collars, pet beds, and blankets.
  • Toys – Safe, durable toys to keep pets happy and active.
  • Treats – Nutritious treats to brighten pets' days.
  • Pet Grooming Products – Shampoos, brushes, and grooming tools to keep pets well-groomed.

Your generous donations allow us to deliver essential pet food and supplies along with meals, improving the quality of life for both older adults and their pets. Every contribution helps to strengthen the bond between them, ensuring that they continue to thrive together.

How You Can Help

There are several ways you can contribute to Meals for Paws and make a difference:

  • Monetary Donations: Make a financial contribution to support the purchase of pet food and supplies.
  • Volunteer to Deliver: Volunteer to help deliver meals and pet food to older adults in need.
  • Hold a Pet Food Drive: Organize a pet food drive in your community to collect food and supplies for our program.
  • Purchase from Our Amazon Wishlist: Visit our Amazon Wishlist and have pet food and supplies shipped directly to us.

Your generosity ensures that the bond between older adults and their pets remains strong, healthy, and full of life—one meal at a time. Thank you for supporting Meals for Paws and helping us continue this important work!

For more information contact Jennifer Barraclough, Executive Director 
[email protected] or 704-873-5171 ext 100