Pet food program
Pets may be the only "family" and the only living thing our clients see other than our volunteers each day. Pets provide significant health benefits for elderly, homebound, and socially isolated populations: Independently living seniors with pets tend to have better physical health and mental well-being than those without pets (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, May 1999). Other studies suggest that elderly pet owners have significantly lower blood pressure and healthier cholesterol and triglyceride levels than those without pets. Pets help to alleviate the effects of social isolation among the homebound: They help the homebound overcome loneliness by giving companionship and affection, supply a sense of security and protection, relieve stress and anxiety, and are the best sources of unconditional love.

For many reasons including the economy, the lack of a shelter in Monroe County, and hearing reports from volunteers that clients were sharing their human meals with their pets, in January 2009, Monroe County Meals on Wheels began delivering pet food to those clients who requested it. Currently our volunteers graciously deliver food to 22 dogs and 30 cats on a monthly basis. We are not able to send a complete month's worth of food but we send about a 10-14 day supply.