TWM Gives Back: Don’t Forget to Feed Me Pet Food Bank

Don’t Forget to Feed Me Pet Food Bank, Inc. (DF2FM), conceived in 2008, supplies pet food to local agencies, such as food pantries, senior centers, and Meals on Wheels, in support of pet owners. By providing pet food for those in need during challenging financial times, we offer an option to surrendering – or worse, abandoning – a family pet. DF2FM helps ensure that no pet owner ever has to choose between Stay…or Go.

Photo courtesy of Don’t Forget to Feed Me Food Bank

Many local agencies focus on ensuring that humans have adequate food and nutrition.  However, we hear repeatedly from organizations that provide food to humans that a pet owner will often choose to go without food to make sure their companion animals are fed. With fully 2/3 of Americans being pet owners, the need to provide pet food to pet owners experiencing economic uncertainty is real and immediate. By providing pet owners with pet food, DF2FM not only ensures that owners are able to feed themselves but that pets receive food that is nutritionally appropriate for animals. DF2FM is the only social service agency in the Metroplex focused solely on assisting pet owners with pet food.

The Maverick Fund was created in 2012 and designated specifically to helping individual pet-owning households who have experienced catastrophic events, such as house fires, tornado damage, etc., which have left the pet owner without needed resources to properly care for pets. DF2FM partners with the American Red Cross – North Texas Region to identify and support pet owners who qualify for assistance. Through this incredible partnership, the American Red Cross also stocks our emergency pet comfort kits on its disaster relief truck, providing immediate assistance when needed.

Through the Maverick Fund the organization has been able to assist local animal shelters and rescue organizations during the COVID-19 crisis by providing close to 8,000 pounds of pet food. These organizations are finding that their formerly regular and reliable sources of pet food are not able to provide the necessary supply as a direct result of this crisis.

Photo courtesy of Don’t Forget to Feed Me Food Bank

In 2014 DF2FM announced a new program – Home, Not Alone – which provides free, pre-portioned pet food to qualified senior citizens on a regular schedule. The program operates through partnerships with over a dozen senior centers throughout Tarrant County.

To maximize food distribution and make the larger bags more manageable, the food is broken down into gallon freezer storage bags weighing roughly 4 pounds each. These bags are sealed and labeled for more efficient distribution. These donated bags give us the ability to especially help our senior center partners where larger bags are not handled as easily.

A pet food or monetary contribution can help us ensure these pets continue to be fed and families can stay together – including the furry members. As a pet food bank, pet food is always our highest priority of need.

DF2FM can only operate with the support of the community. Together – we are the difference between Stay…or Go.

Photo courtesy of Don’t Forget to Feed Me Food Bank

Maria Koegl has been involved with animal welfare since 2008 when she started working at an animal hospital. Shortly thereafter she became involved with DF2FM and has remained ever since. She was a volunteer until just recently when she came on as Operations Manager. Maria has a passion for animals and holds the mission of DF2FM close to her heart.