Linn County’s AniMeals helps keep low-income clients with their pets. Now it may expand

CEDAR RAPIDS — After 25 years operating with an unofficial nickname, the service that helps feed hundreds of cats and dogs in Linn County is coming under control of the organization with the trademark.

AniMeals, whose routes through Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion long have been dubbed “Meals on Wheels for pets,” is joining forces with Horizons Family Services — the local provider of Meals on Wheels for humans for 65 years.

In February, AniMeals came under management of the social services institution with a plan to combine resources, increase outreach power and grow the program even further to serve more of the Corridor — including Johnson County — soon.

“I’ve had so many calls where people are saying, ‘I will go without food before my pet,’ and it’s heartbreaking,” said Kandi Herb, a AniMeals organizer and volunteer for over 20 years. “This program is so, so needed in the community.”

How it started

AniMeals started when local Meals on Wheels volunteers noticed recipients feeding some of their own food to their pets.

Meals on Wheels, which serves people over 60, people with disabilities and those who are confined to their homes, delivers food only for humans. But for their clients at higher risk of social isolation, their pets are their world.

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So in 2000, volunteers from the Cedar Valley Humane Society, as well as some Petco employees, formed an organization under the Humane Society to help them feed some of their best friends. When it started, AniMeals filled a gap no other agency was recognizing. The program mirrored a similar one that had launched in San Diego.

Herb, who started volunteering in AniMeals’ second year, knows what happens when people have to choose between necessities. She remembers calls from clients asking for help after feeding their dogs peanut butter for three days — or canned tuna to their cats — because they had nothing else to give them.

Many, she said, would sleep in their car before giving up their pets.

“For some of them, their pet is the only thing they have — it really is. (Even) if it’s hard for them to find to find housing with their pet, they will not give up their pet,” Herb said. “By delivering the food, it keeps that pet with them for emotional support.”

How it works

In 2008, Cedar Rapids AniMeals became an independent nonprofit, better defined its outreach target, started working more closely with social service agencies for referrals and started limiting client support to two pets each in order to serve more people.

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Run entirely by volunteers, the program is sustained solely through donations from individuals and pet food manufacturers.

Each month, volunteers take a route and drop off portioned bags of pet food for cats and dogs of all sizes. Each bag is supplemental — meant to last about two weeks — to give clients a little more breathing room in their budgets.

“It’s a good program for low-income people who don’t have much money,” said Ruth Turnbull, a client since 2000, who lives near Czech Village.

As food was delivered this month for her cats, Baby Willie and S’mores, she caught up with Herb on the wheelchair ramp in front of the house about life and her health. For many like her, the service is more than delivery for a Ragdoll or a tortoiseshell cat — it’s a lifeline to community.

Occasionally, she’s delighted to receive a little extra litter, or handmade Christmas gifts for the cats from local volunteers.

Later on Herb’s route, another client simply wanted a hug. She had just turned 80, and had a black eye from an accident with her cat.

“They’re so appreciative,” Herb said as she returned to her car.

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Last year, the operation had 36 delivery driver volunteers. The organization’s longevity, approaching 25 years, speaks volumes about their dedication, Herb said.

Today, AniMeals serves about 300 clients and more than 400 pets. It moves about 2,000 pounds of dog food and 700 pounds of cat food each month.

“We definitely see the need growing. Having a pet helps emotionally, mentally and physically,” said Aaron Tarchinski, director of community health and nutrition for Horizons. “For a lot of our clients, it keeps them in the home longer. They have something to do all day.”

And for some, it even gets them out of the house for a walk around the block.

Why the change?

As AniMeals continued to respond to growing need, its board of directors looked for an organization that could sustainably manage its growth well into the future.

Even with other small pet food pantries now at organizations like Cedar Valley Humane Society and Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control, the demand still is strong. Often, Herb said, the pantries run out of food.

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For decades, long-term volunteers at Cedar Rapids AniMeals have sustained the organization. But they’d like to see AniMeals serve even more in need.

“AniMeals aligns perfectly with what we’re doing to combat isolation among seniors in the community,” said Katie Oatsvall, Horizons chief executive office and president. “We recognize how valuable pets are to improving the quality of life for people. They provide service or support and in some cases are a sole companion, so it’s very important that we help them that they may continue to help their owners.”

With its steady volunteer base as well as paid employees, the ability to secure additional funding, better marketing and broader reach, Horizons was the perfect fit.

“The collaboration between our two organizations is a natural fit, and we are excited to continue supporting and serving this wonderful community together,” said Heidi Karr, AniMeals board president.

How will it change?

As the organization transitions, existing clients won’t notice any difference in service. But AniMeals routes will become more aligned with Meals on Wheels routes.

“We want it to mimic our Meals on Wheels so that anyone we help can be enrolled in AniMeals,” Tarchinski said.

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Soon, they hope to expand AniMeals to Johnson County. Horizons currently provides Meals on Wheels to a seven-county area in Eastern Iowa.

Eligibility requirements for AniMeals will stay the same. In order to receive pet food, clients must be one of the following:

For more information or to volunteer, visit cranimeals.com.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.