Sharing Compassion: AniMeals Pet Food Collection at First UU

At First Unitarian Universalist Church, compassion extends not only to people but also to the animals who share their lives. Recently, members of the UU Animal Ministry partnered with the youth of First UU to support AniMeals, a program that provides pet food to seniors served through Meals on Wheels.

AniMeals currently helps feed about 880 pets—roughly 70% dogs and 30% cats—belonging to older adults who rely on Meals on Wheels. For many seniors, these pets are beloved companions who provide comfort, emotional support, and a sense of purpose. Ensuring that these animals have enough to eat helps keep families together and prevents pets from being surrendered to shelters.

Thanks to the generosity of our congregation and community, we collected hundreds of pounds of dog and cat food during the drive. The real fun began when we gathered with the youth group to sort and package the food according to Meals on Wheels distribution specifications. Together we weighed, sorted, and packed the food into manageable portions that can easily be delivered alongside regular Meals on Wheels routes.

It was a wonderful intergenerational effort. The youth brought energy and enthusiasm, while adult volunteers helped organize the process and share the purpose behind the program. Laughter, teamwork, and a shared commitment to helping both people and animals filled the room.

By the end of the event, we had stacks of neatly packaged pet food ready to support seniors and their companion animals across the community. Every bag represented a small act of kindness that will help keep pets healthy and seniors connected to the animals they love.

Thank you to everyone who donated food, volunteered their time, and especially to the youth of First UU who helped make the packaging day such a success. Together, we’re making sure that compassion reaches every member of the family—two-legged and four-legged alike.