Seniors First now providing AniMEALS

In an effort to support homebound seniors and the bond they share with their pawed sidekicks, Seniors First recently rolled out its AniMEALS program to provide food for fur babies as well. Seniors First is a nonprofit that provides long-term support and services to help Placer County's older adults maintain their independence and thrive. The organization has added the program so current Meals on Wheels clients won't have to worry about how they are going to feed their cats and dogs. "We launched AniMEALS because we recognized a growing need among seniors with pets, especially with rising grocery and living costs," said Stephanie Vierstra, executive director of Seniors First, in an interview with the Auburn Journal on Thursday. "Our goal is to help seniors and their pets stay together." Vierstra emphasized that the program also helps prevent animals from ending up in shelters. "If a senior is struggling to afford pet food, we want to step in—so they can keep their companion and avoid the heartbreaking decision of surrendering them. It's really a win-win," she said. According to Meals on Wheels America, clients have reported improved wellbeing and decreased loneliness due to the strong bond with their pets, with one in five going without food to feed their furry sidekicks. Through the Meals on Wheels support, 97 percent of seniors say it makes it possible to keep their pets, as one in two seniors have no assistance with their pets outside of the program. "Some of our clients … they have been known to actually take their Meals on Wheels lunch and scrape half of it onto a plate and give it to their little dog, and that's how precious these animals, four-legged companions, are to people and especially to isolated seniors," said Charity Bryson, Meals on Wheels program specialist for Seniors First. Bryson has a pooch of her own who she says has "brightened my life and made me feel younger," and confirmed pets provide seniors with companionship and unconditional love, as well as assist with their overall fitness. AniMEALS was made possible through generous funding from the Sacramento Valley Veterinary Medical Association Grant via the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, along with the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets Grant from PetSmart Charities. According to Vierstra, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. "It's really taken on a life of its own," she said. "People love the idea of helping both seniors and their pets at the same time." Bryson added the first client who received the pet food in addition to their meal was "very glad and appreciative" to receive it. "I'm having fun doing it," Bryson said of providing homebound seniors with food for their pets. "Makes me feel good to be able to help these folks out with their animals." Anyone wanting to support the Meals on Wheels or AniMEALS programs through food, pet food or monetary donation can visit the Seniors First website, seniorsfirst.org, or contact Vierstra at 530-878-5705 or stephanie@seniorsfirst.org.