During the economic downturn, Americans have been hit hard. Many families struggle to find enough food for their whole family, including beloved pets. While animals are known to increase our quality of life, families cannot afford the rising cost of food and care for themselves as well as their pets.

Tarrant Area Food Bank recognizes the challenge facing families as a record number of pets are being abandoned or left in shelters, often as a result of the downturn of our economy. We offer hope to families who feel as if they are losing everything, including their furry best friend.

A generous lead grant from the Amon G. Carter Foundation allowed volunteer co-founders Terry Woodfin and Kim Pearson to launch the “Don’t Forget to Feed Me” Pet Food Initiative with an inaugural Valentine Pet Food Drive and public awareness campaign in early 2009.

We know animals can help us emotionally, psychologically, and socially. Also, due to the need to exercise and care for their pets, people who own animals often have better physical health. Additionally, children with pets are more cooperative and sharing. Including daily fun activities and working with us, animals help us:

• Adjust to serious illness and death
• Be less anxious and feel more safe
• Relax and reduce everyday stress
• Have physical contact
• Lift our mood
• Feel less lonely
• Have something to care for, thereby caring for ourselves better
• Keep active
• Have consistency
• Have more and better social interactions

In summary, pets can greatly influence how we feel about ourselves and life in general. They are teachers and healers of extraordinary talent.

Our vision is keeping families and pets together and we hope that you will continue our efforts by donating, volunteering, sponsoring or just sharing this website with others in your community.