Mars Joins Bread for the City, Humane Rescue Alliance to Help DC Pets

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Press release: Mars

Mars, Inc., a leader in confectionery, snacking, food and pet care products and services and the maker of some of the world’s most-loved brands, including M&M’S, SNICKERS, BEN’S ORIGINAL, PEDIGREE and IAMS, recently partnered with Bread for the City, a Washington D.C. nonprofit providing services to D.C. residents living with low incomes, and Humane Rescue Alliance, an animal rescue and adoption organization, to host a free community market event for local residents and their pets. In total, the April 15 event 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.

Mars has worked closely with Humane Rescue Alliance since 2012 and Bread for the City since 2018 through event partnerships, volunteer and Board service, as well as monetary and product donations.

The event featured product donations from across the Mars family of brands, including M&M’S, SNICKERS, BEN’S ORIGINAL, PEDIGREE, KIND, NATURE’S BAKERY, SEEDS OF CHANGE, ROYAL CANIN, EUKANUBA, GREENIES, IAMS, CESAR and TEMPTATIONS. Additionally, Bread for the City donated fresh fruits and vegetables and 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.

The Humane Rescue Alliance-organized event is part of the organization’s Help Out, Partner and Engage (HOPE) program, which works to address the lack of access to affordable pet care resources. This critical lifeline helps to keep pets healthy, happy and in loving homes by offering spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations and deworming, and pet supplies like food, collars, leashes and toys for D.C. residents in zip code 20020.

“As a purpose driven company, Mars Associates believe the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today and giving back to the communities where we live and work is one way we can build a world where everyone is thriving,” said Peter Rowan, Mars, Inc.’s vice president of U.S. public affairs. “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.”

“This fantastic event brings human and animal wellness together in one place,” said Robert White, at-large councilmember, council of the District of Columbia. “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.”

“Over the years, Bread for the City has worked separately and closely with Mars and HRA. This year, we were delighted to join forces for this first-time three-way partnership and host this fantastic rain-or-shine event for the Southeast community. We’re proud to have supplied free groceries, which will provide much-needed relief to our community members, their families, and their pets,” said Crystal Iwuoha, senior manager of communications and community engagement at Bread for the City.

“With the increasing cost of pet care and the lack of pet-related resources East of the River, 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. It’s community partnerships like these that make our work to help animals by supporting the people who love them possible.”

(Photo credits: Christina Gephardt/Humane Rescue Alliance)