In 2021, more than 53 million people turned to food banks, food pantries, and meal programs for much-needed assistance. When people face food insecurity, their pets do too. In many instances, pet parents battling food insecurity face the possibility of rehoming or relinquishing their pets to animal shelters because they cannot afford to feed them.
To help address this crisis, we’ve committed nearly 18 million to combat pet food insecurity, beginning in 2021, through an ongoing partnership with Feeding America. Pet food donations from PetSmart Charities® helped Feeding America affiliated food banks provide pet food alongside human food to families in need across the country. Thanks to dog and cat food donations from PetSmart Charities, Affiliates like Food Bank of the Rockies were able to impact the quality of life for pets affected by food insecurity.
Economic changes across the country have resulted in an increased need for food in communities beyond those identified as food deserts. Households across the country face a 10 percent increase in the cost of groceries and rising prices for gas and housing.
With one in six people in America experiencing food insecurity, this crisis can happen to anyone regardless of background or socioeconomic status. When millions are at risk of facing a critical situation, family pets are at risk of suffering too. Join us in combating pet food insecurity and help keep pets and people healthy, happy, and together.
