PetSmart Charities Provides 44 Million Pet Meals as Food Insecurity Hits Highest Level in Nearly a Decade

Commitment routes $7 million in pet food and additional grant funding through food banks and senior meal programs

PHOENIX, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, PetSmart Charities Pet Hunger Awareness Day® (Sept. 29) comes at a critical time, as food insecurity in the U.S. has reached its highest level in nearly ten years. In response, the organization is directing $7 million in pet food to food banks nationwide, enabling food banks to distribute more than 44 million meals alongside human food this year. PetSmart Charities is on track to reach 480 million pet meals delivered to pets in need by the end of this year.

Nearly 48 million people in the U.S. experience food insecurity, and PetSmart Charities estimates that 30 million pets live in homes affected by that need. Despite the prevalence of this issue, according to a new PetSmart Charities survey, only 31% of people report being very aware that pet hunger in the home exists at all.*

For Pet Hunger Awareness Day, PetSmart Charities is partnering with Feeding America®, during Hunger Action Month®, to distribute pet food across the country. The day aims to raise awareness about hunger on both ends of the leash and expand access to food for every family member.

Keeping Pets and Families Together in Challenging Times

Pet parents consider their pets part of the family, yet many people are forced to make difficult tradeoffs between the household expenses of groceries and pet care. The PetSmart Charities survey revealed that 56% of pet parents have had to reduce other costs in their life to afford pet food, and 13% of pet parents who've experienced difficulty affording pet food have considered rehoming or surrendering their pet, crowding already full animal shelters.*

"When pet parents face hunger, those times of uncertainty can lead to heartbreaking decisions, including rationing their own food or even considering surrendering beloved pets," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. "But thanks to our incredible partnerships with Feeding America and Meals on Wheels America, pet parents aren't alone, and pet food support is available through local affiliate channels. These efforts can help keep pets and people together, and we encourage other human services agencies to consider adding services for pets, too."

When asked what support would help most, 87% place pet food availability at community food banks or mobile food pantries among their top forms of support, followed closely by free or low-cost pet food distribution programs (86%), a need PetSmart Charities' distribution network is built to meet.

Embedding Pet Support into Human Services

Rather than building new infrastructure, PetSmart Charities works inside food support systems already reaching people facing hunger.

Since 2017, that's meant partnering with Feeding America to route pet food through the same partner food banks families already turn to for groceries. By the end of this year, the partnership will have delivered more than 70 million pounds of pet food to neighbors, with quarterly deliveries continuing year-round.

Through a partnership with Meals on Wheels America, PetSmart Charities helps older adults care for the pets they rely on for comfort and companionship. Support provides pet food and other pet essentials, as well as veterinary care, grooming and emergency boarding. To date, the partnership has delivered 20 million pet meals to older adults and their pets. Research from Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities found that among surveyed participants, nearly every Meals on Wheels client with a pet says their animal helps them feel less lonely, and 97% say their pet comforts them during difficult emotions.

How to Help

Every donation adds up; just $2 covers 11 meals, or about five days of feeding a pet. This Pet Hunger Awareness Day, pet parents and supporters can make an impact by donating to PetSmart Charities online or at checkout through PetSmart in store or online.

To learn more about PetSmart Charities Pet Hunger Awareness Day, visit PetSmartCharities.org.

*These are the findings of a survey conducted by Angus Reid Group on behalf of PetSmart Charities from September 8-14, 2026 among a sample of n=1,002 adults living in the United States who currently own or care for at least one pet in their household. The study included a national sample of U.S. pet owners, with targeted sampling to achieve a minimum of n=100 in each of Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas. The survey was conducted in English. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About PetSmart Charities
PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps some 400,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. PetSmart Charities grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crises with access to food, shelter and disaster response. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, or while shopping at PetSmart, in-store or online. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit PetSmartCharities.org.

About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America® unites the country to ensure everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation's most effective food distribution systems to drive immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters, acting united with unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives.

Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.

http://www.feedingamerica.org/

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting approximately 5,000 community-based providers across the country dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. Through public awareness, funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers local providers to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. At a time when demand for Meals on Wheels services is growing, and many seniors are left waiting, Meals on Wheels America is dedicated to helping End the Wait® and ensuring every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it. For more information, or to locate a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

SOURCE PetSmart Charities, Inc.