As demand for food banks continues to rise, PetSmart Charities of Canada has announced a $100,000 grant to The Food Bank of York Region to help feed pets alongside families in need.
The funding, announced in recognition of Pet Hunger Awareness Day (held September 30), will support the distribution of pet food through local partners including the Markham Food Bank, Richmond Hill Food Bank and Newmarket Food Bank. The initiative also involves Feed Ontario.
“We recognize that when people are facing challenging times, their pets are in it with them,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. “That’s why our partnerships with The Food Bank of York Region and Feed Ontario are so critical. Together, we can get pet food to families in need through distribution channels, such as food banks, that meet pet parents where they are.”
Carolyn Stewart, chief executive officer of Feed Ontario, said more Ontarians are turning to food banks than ever before.
“We know how important pets are to people and families across the province, and we’re thankful to PetSmart Charities of Canada for taking action to help people and pets in need,” said Stewart. “Both through raising awareness on Pet Hunger Awareness Day, and through their grant funding program, their organization is helping food banks make sure pets don’t go hungry.”
PetSmart Charities of Canada launched Pet Hunger Awareness Day in 2023 to highlight the issue of pet food insecurity. According to the organization, more than 12 million Canadian households have a dog or cat, and pets are an important source of emotional and physical support for many families.
Last year, a $300,000 grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada helped Humane Canada launch the country’s first interactive Pet Food Bank Map. The tool has since identified 343 pet food assistance programs across Canada, supporting an estimated 20,000 pets.
The organization says while the grant focuses on York Region, similar needs exist across the country.
PetSmart Charities of Canada is encouraging Canadians to donate pet food where accepted, noting that many pet owners in crisis often sacrifice their own needs to care for their animals.
“Every donation helps ensure that no family member, whether two- or four-legged, goes hungry,” the organization stated.
For more information or to donate, Canadians can visit www.PetSmartCharities.ca.
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