•••RATIONALE•••
•By keeping our focus on a single issue, we can address this specific need efficiently and quickly. DF2FM does not attempt to duplicate services offered by other organizations or agencies.
•Many local agencies focus on ensuring that humans have adequate food and nutrition; however, we hear repeatedly from those organizations that pet owners will often choose to go without food to e
nsure their companion animals are fed. The need to provide pet food to pet owners experiencing economic uncertainty is real and immediate. By providing pet owners with pet food, DF2FM ensures not only that owners are able to feed themselves, but also that pets receive food that is nutritionally appropriate for animals.
•Additionally, many local agencies help pet owners with veterinary needs, such as spaying/neutering and vaccinations. Other local agencies are concerned with ensuring that homeless animals are adopted into “forever homes.” These agencies address real needs and provide valuable services to the community; however, without access to proper pet food, their efforts will all be for naught. If pet owners are unable to feed their animals, those animals will end up in shelters – or on the streets – anyway. By providing pet owners with pet food, DF2FM helps relieve stress on shelters, rescues, and local animal control.
•••STATEMENT OF VISION•••
Don’t Forget to Feed Me Pet Food Bank envisions a community in which all pet owners are able to feed their pets.
•••STATEMENT OF VALUES•••
Don’t Forget to Feed Me Values:
•Compassion and the Human Animal Bond
DF2FM believes pets are family. Every pet owner deserves the opportunity to keep their companions fed and cared for during challenging times. DF2FM works to ensure no pet owner must choose between keeping their pet or letting them go due to food insecurity.
•Inclusivity and Awareness
DF2FM strives to educate the public about pet food insecurity and its root causes. DF2FM prioritizes providing equitable access to assistance and treating every pet owner with dignity and respect, regardless of their socioeconomic status, age, gender, race, religion, or background.
•Community and Collaboration
DF2FM achieves success through the strength of community participation and collaboration by the sharing of resources, the generosity of supporters and volunteers, and fostering strategic partnerships.
•Integrity and Stewardship
DF2FM values transparency, accountability, and ethical and safe practices. By responsibly managing resources and balancing ambition with practicality, DF2FM maximizes impact while maintaining the trust of supporters, partners, and beneficiaries.
•Innovation and Growth
DF2FM embraces continuous improvement, creative problem-solving, and forward-thinking strategies to expand service areas and meet the growing needs of the community.
•••HISTORY•••
•The economic crisis of 2008 caused many families to face extreme hardships. Many were forced to choose between feeding their family and feeding the family pet. Two area women were brought together by a common goal: keep pets with their families. A committee was formed in the fall, and, working through the Tarrant Area Food Bank, DF2FM launched an inaugural Valentine pet food drive in February 2009.
•DF2FM quickly grew, and in September 2010, set up independent office space at the Community Food Bank. In 2011 DF2FM received its unique 501c3 status.
•After 10 years of service, the organization began to outgrow its space. This move provided more warehouse and office space, allowing the organization to make an even greater difference in the community.
•As of 2025 DF2FM has distributed over 13-million no cost pet meals to the community.
•••HOW WE OPERATE•••
•A food bank is the storehouse for food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly. DF2FM is currently the only pet food bank in North Texas and remains focused solely on assisting pet owners with pet food.
•Don’t Forget to Feed Me is a conduit through which donated pet food reaches families in need. DF2FM manages the collection of pet food and allocation to distribution partners around the area, who then in turn distribute it through their normal channels to their clients.
•Currently distribution partners span Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, & Ellis Counties.
•••PROGRAMS•••
•Stay...or Go. DF2FM does not provide pet food directly to individuals; it is distributed through our partners. Those seeking assistance must visit a partner location and confirm eligibility and distribution details with them. Pet food is intended to help keep pets in their homes—not for strays, feral colonies, or fosters. Due to limited resources, we must stay focused on this mission. For other needs, please contact the appropriate agencies.
•The Home, Not Alone (HNA) program provides free, pre-portioned pet food to low-income seniors through local senior center partnerships. DF2FM supplies the food on a regular schedule to participating partners, not directly to individuals. Many senior pet owners rely on limited income (Medicaid, VA assistance, Social Security) and may sacrifice their own meals to feed their pets—often their only companions and a vital source of comfort and purpose.
•The Maverick Fund is a designated fund specifically to help individual pet-owning households who have experienced catastrophic events (house fires, tornado damage, etc.) that left pet owners without the resources to properly care for their pets. The fund was named in honor of Maverick Chiaramonte, the beloved boy of DF2FM supporters and volunteers Joe and Patti Chiaramonte. The Maverick Fund is funded by designated donations to DF2FM. DF2FM works with the American Red Cross Greater North Texas to identify and support pet owners who qualify for assistance.
