HALLOWELL — A meals on wheels program for pets got a boost this week.

The Banfield Charitable Trust awarded $5,000 for the AniMeals program at Spectrum Generations Cohen Center in Hallowell and its Muskie Center in Waterville.

Lynda Johnson, nutrition/meals on wheels coordinator for Spectrum Generations, said the grant will be used to buy pet food or cover direct expenses for Spectrum Generations pet food distribution efforts.

“With this grant and support from area businesses such as Tractor Supply Company and Pine Tree Veterinary of Augusta, homebound seniors receiving AniMeals are less likely to lose their pet due to the rising cost of food,” Johnson said.

The program has provided food for pets of homebound seniors who receive Meals on Wheels for the past eight years. The program depends on contributed pet food and money from local businesses and individuals.

Spectrum recently earned an achievement award from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging for developing the program for pets.

Johnson said seniors sometimes choose to go hungry rather than give up their pets.

“We saw some of the people were feeding part of their Meals on Wheels to their pets,” she said. “We were quite worried about that.”

Joan Gilbert, of Augusta, who has delivered Meals on Wheels for the past six years, said pets are “part of your family,” which makes the program a worthwhile one.

The National Center for Infectious Diseases says owning a pet helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol, while alleviating feelings of loneliness and opening up opportunities for the owner to socialize with others.

The Cohen Center helps feed about 40 pets. The food is supplemental to that bought by pet owners. Pet food deliveries are made once a week.

To date, Banfield Charitable Trust has awarded more than $350,000 in grants to support Meals on Wheels Association of America pet food programs. Funding comes from the trust’s annual Season of Suppers campaign, which runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 each year.

Season of Suppers serves as the major source of money and food for the pet food programs across the country.

Working in partnership with Meals on Wheels Association of America, Banfield hospitals across the nation collect food for the pets of homebound seniors who also receive Meals on Wheels.

For more information on the AniMeals program, or to donate, contact Johnson at 626-7777 or email her at [email protected].

Mechele Cooper — 621-5663

[email protected]