MOWSW Receives Major Pet Food Donation from Royal Canin, Banfield Charitable Trust

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties (MOWSW) received a major donation of dog and cat food on Dec. 16 courtesy of Royal Canin, a leading worldwide manufacturer of premium pet food products.

The donation was facilitated by the Banfield Charitable Trust, which promotes the annual "Season of Suppers" pet food drive conducted by MOWSW and other meal delivery programs nationwide.

Royal Canin is a store brand carried by Petsmart stores, which are affiliated with Banfield Pet Hospitals in the United States.

Eight pallets of food arrived by truck and were loaded into the agency's storage room. The donated food, along with other contributions from Stark and Wayne counties received this holiday season, will be distributed to Meals On Wheels clients and other individuals in need of food for their pets.

"We were excited when Banfield called to ask if we could accommodate the delivery," said Teresa Barry, CEO. "We immediately said yes, because we have planned to make pet food distribution a year-round program."

The agency's success with "Season of Suppers" over the past three years -- during which time more than four tons of food was collected -- helped facilitate the donation.

When Banfield originally learned of the availability of the pet food, they called the Meals On Wheels Association of America, who referred them to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

"This is a blessing for our clients and their pets," said Terri. "We look forward to sharing that blessing with others in the community who may be in need."