One Health

Good nutrition is essential not only for humans but also for our pets. The food we consume plays a crucial role in our physical and mental well-being, and it also strengthens our connections with family and friends. While food is a fundamental necessity, many people face challenges such as financial constraints, food deserts, or limited access to transportation, making it difficult to secure adequate nutrition. In many cases, when a family experiences food insecurity, their pets are also affected. This week, in honor of National Nutrition Month, we're focusing on ways we can come together to ensure that both human and nonhuman family members receive the nutrition they need.

Question of the week: Does your community offer combined pet food and human food pantries?

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Michael J Blackwell, DVM, MPH, FNAP
Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS (Ret.)
Director, Program for Pet Health Equity
Center for Behavioral Health Research
https://pphe.utk.edu
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Hi Michael,

Thanks for making this post in recognition of National Nutrition Month. And, yes, this is a multi-layered issue. In addition to the concerns you've mentioned I think it's important to also be aware of the quality of foods eaten by both people and the animals they love. Health, mental, emotional and physical, begins at the cellular level. Highly processed foods cannot build health. Dry dog and cat food kibble is cooked at such high temperatures that most of the nutrients are destroyed. Balanced nutrition made from human-grade real foods, preferably organic, contain the nutrients for building health. When considering organic vs commercially grown foods then we bring environmental concerns into the conversation. And the health issues caused by toxins in foods and water, microplastics, the list is long. Books could be written on these topics.

Here at Emerald Ark we focus on using therapeutic nutrition, made form human-grade whole, real organic foods when feeding the animals under our care. As people see their animals regain their health they  often take a look at the foods they are eating. This awareness often guides them in making healthier food choices. And as they learn more about making healthier food choices for themselves, and begin feeling better, this shift in awareness has the capability for enabling social change.  And it is this collective growth that occurs within communities that will ultimately provide unique solutions for people and the animals they love.

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Leslie Moran
Executive Director
Emerald Ark
NV

Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2025 06:05 AM
From: Michael Blackwell
Subject: National Nutrition Month

Good nutrition is essential not only for humans but also for our pets. The food we consume plays a crucial role in our physical and mental well-being, and it also strengthens our connections with family and friends. While food is a fundamental necessity, many people face challenges such as financial constraints, food deserts, or limited access to transportation, making it difficult to secure adequate nutrition. In many cases, when a family experiences food insecurity, their pets are also affected. This week, in honor of National Nutrition Month, we're focusing on ways we can come together to ensure that both human and nonhuman family members receive the nutrition they need.

Question of the week: Does your community offer combined pet food and human food pantries?

------------------------------
Michael J Blackwell, DVM, MPH, FNAP
Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS (Ret.)
Director, Program for Pet Health Equity
Center for Behavioral Health Research
https://pphe.utk.edu
------------------------------

Good nutrition is essential not only for humans but also for our pets. The food we consume plays a crucial role in our physical and mental well-being, and it also strengthens our connections with family and friends. While food is a fundamental necessity, many people face challenges such as financial constraints, food deserts, or limited access to transportation, making it difficult to secure adequate nutrition. In many cases, when a family experiences food insecurity, their pets are also affected. This week, in honor of National Nutrition Month, we're focusing on ways we can come together to ensure that both human and nonhuman family members receive the nutrition they need.

Question of the week: Does your community offer combined pet food and human food pantries?

------------------------------
Michael J Blackwell, DVM, MPH, FNAP
Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS (Ret.)
Director, Program for Pet Health Equity
Center for Behavioral Health Research
https://pphe.utk.edu
------------------------------

Good nutrition is essential not only for humans but also for our pets. The food we consume plays a crucial role in our physical and mental well-being, and it also strengthens our connections with family and friends. While food is a fundamental necessity, many people face challenges such as financial constraints, food deserts, or limited access to transportation, making it difficult to secure adequate nutrition. In many cases, when a family experiences food insecurity, their pets are also affected. This week, in honor of National Nutrition Month, we're focusing on ways we can come together to ensure that both human and nonhuman family members receive the nutrition they need.

Question of the week: Does your community offer combined pet food and human food pantries?

Good nutrition is essential not only for humans but also for our pets. The food we consume plays a crucial role in our physical and mental well-being, and it also strengthens our connections with family and friends. While food is a fundamental necessity, many people face challenges such as financial constraints, food deserts, or limited access to transportation, making it difficult to secure adequate nutrition. In many cases, when a family experiences food insecurity, their pets are also affected. This week, in honor of National Nutrition Month, we're focusing on ways we can come together to ensure that both human and nonhuman family members receive the nutrition they need.

Question of the week: Does your community offer combined pet food and human food pantries?

------------------------------
Michael J Blackwell, DVM, MPH, FNAP
Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS (Ret.)
Director, Program for Pet Health Equity
Center for Behavioral Health Research
https://pphe.utk.edu
------------------------------