Community Event Hosted By Mars Provides Free Food, Pet Services To DC Residents

WASHINGTON, DC — Mars Inc. partnered with Bread for the City and the Humane Rescue Alliance on Saturday to host a free event in Washington, D.C., where food was offered to families and veterinary services were provided to pets.

In the past, Mars has worked separately with Bread for the City and the Humane Rescue Alliance. This year was the first time Mars joined with the two nonprofit organizations on a three-way partnership in the Southeast D.C. community.

In total, the April 15 event, at 2525 12th Place in Southeast D.C., provided food to more than 100 families and veterinary services to nearly 150 pets, with nearly 40 pets receiving microchips and 268 pet vaccinations provided.

"We are thankful for the continuous work that organizations like Bread for the City and Humane Rescue Alliance do in our communities, and we are proud to partner with them for this event," said Peter Rowan, Mars Inc.'s vice president of U.S. Public Affairs.

Mars has worked with Humane Rescue Alliance since 2012 and Bread for the City since 2018 through event partnerships and volunteer efforts, as well as financial and product donations. Based in McLean, Mars, one of the world's largest candy makers, also sells pet food and provides animal care services.

"This fantastic event brings human and animal wellness together in one place," Robert White, an at-large councilmember on the Council of the District of Columbia, said in a statement. "Thank you to Bread for the City and the Humane Rescue Alliance for ensuring that those who need help are able to get the support they deserve."

The Humane Rescue Alliance’s Help Out, Partner and Engage, or HOPE, program works to address the lack of access to affordable pet care resources for many D.C. residents. This program offers spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and deworming, and pet supplies like food, collars, leashes and toys for D.C. residents.

Bread for the City provides services to D.C. residents living with low incomes. The free groceries offered at Saturday's event will "provide much-needed relief to our community members, their families, and their pets," Crystal Iwuoha, senior manager of communications and community engagement at Bread for the City, said in a statement.

With the lack of pet-related resources east of the Anacostia River in D.C., "our neighbors face barriers to providing care for their animal family members," said Shakela Brown, director of community outreach at the Humane Rescue Alliance.

"The Humane Rescue Alliance is excited to partner with Mars and Bread for the City to expand the offerings at this free pet vaccination clinic and provide residents in Wards 7 and 8 with resources and support to care for and keep their pets," Brown said.

The event featured product donations from across the Mars family of brands. Bread for the City donated fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Humane Rescue Alliance administered pet care services with support from Banfield Pet Hospital volunteers, part of Mars Veterinary Health's network of clinics, using medical supplies, vaccines, and microchips donated by the Banfield Foundation.