There is a reason so many people use their first pet's name as a password. The bond between a child and their pet is unforgettable.
For many children, a pet is their first friend, their best friend, and sometimes even their only friend. When school feels overwhelming, friendships become complicated, or bullying and social pressures seem insurmountable, a pet offers something unique: unconditional love. Pets don't care about popularity, grades, or social status. They simply provide companionship, comfort, and loyalty.
Now, imagine a family facing an acute crisis. Maybe a parent loses a job. Perhaps there is an unexpected medical expense, the loss of a loved one, or simply the ongoing challenge of stretching every dollar in an increasingly expensive economy. As bills pile up, families are forced to make impossible decisions. What can stay in the budget? What has to go? Will that ultimately lead to the the question of whether they can continue feeding their pet?
No child should have to wonder whether their beloved dog or cat will still be there tomorrow. Yet every day, families face heartbreaking choices which too often lead to beloved animals being surrendered to shelters or rescues simply because their families can no longer afford pet food.
For a child already experiencing the stress and uncertainty of financial hardship, losing a pet can feel like losing a member of the family. Fortunately, there is another option.
Nearly two decades ago, two women in Tarrant County recognized this growing problem during the economic crisis of 2008. Families were struggling, agencies were overcrowded, and euthanasia rates were climbing. They saw a gap in community services and decided to do something about it. Their solution became Don't Forget to Feed Me Pet Food Bank (DF2FM).
What began as an initiative of the Tarrant Area Food Bank has since grown into an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping pets in the homes that love them. Today, DF2FM partners with 45 community organizations across Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, and Ellis counties, distributing approximately 45,000 pounds of free pet food each month to families in need.
The impact extends far beyond feeding pets. By helping families care for their animals during difficult times, DF2FM helps preserve the emotional support, companionship, and stability pets provide to both children and adults.
Since 2008, DF2FM has distributed over 13 million pet meals to North Texas. Through partnerships with Christian Community Action, Denton Community Food Center, and Metroport Meals on Wheels, the Denton County community specifically receives 252,960 pet meals annually to support these families.
Opportunities to help include having an informational table at an event, becoming a donation location, hosting pet food drives, donating funds and/or pet food, or having a DF2FM representative at your community event or meeting to spread the mission.
To learn more, volunteer, donate, or locate a pet food assistance partner, visit df2fm.org.
Since 2008, Don't Forget to Feed Me has distributed over 13 million pet meals to North Texas.