Gwinnett Health And Human Services Clients Get Meal For Pets Too

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Gwinnett County Health and Human Services and Animal Welfare and Enforcement have partnered to provide Health and Human Services’ Home-delivered Meal clients pet food beginning mid-December. Deputy Department Director Blake Hawkins said when they realized their senior clients shared their own food with their furry friends, the two Department of Community Services divisions joined forces to provide the dogs and cats the nutritionally balanced food they need as well.

“When we noticed a need, we worked together to act quickly so our seniors and their companions remain as healthy as possible,” Hawkins said. “Our animals are like our kids, so not only is the health of our seniors important to us, but so is the health of their pets.”

Animal Welfare and Enforcement currently funds the program and Health Human Services’ volunteers deliver the sealed Hill’s Science Diet dry dog and cat food along with dietician-approved five-day supply of nutritious frozen meals for seniors.

Approximately 400 seniors receive home-delivered meals, and about 30 of those clients currently receive pet food. Hawkins said they hope to increase that number in the next year and expand the program to provide clients access to low cost vaccination and veterinary care for their animals.

Gwinnett County Health and Human Services partners with the community to provide and connect service opportunities that help improve the health and well-being of a growing and diverse Gwinnett County. Health and Human Services four facilities offer wide-ranging social and senior services and house various partners. For more information about Health and Human Services, visitwww.gwinnetthumanservices.com. For more information about Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement, including how to adopt an animal or make a tax-deductible donation, visitwww.gwinnettanimalwelfare.com.

Photo courtesy Gwinnett Health and Human Services