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
------------------------------

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?

Yes, some communities do offer combined support through both human food banks and pet food pantries, but it really depends on the area. In many places, there are separate programs that work together to support families and their pets at the same time.

For example, organizations like local SPCAs and humane societies run pet food pantries to help families who are struggling financially. These programs exist because no one should have to choose between feeding themselves or their pet.

In Canada, there are also community initiatives and outreach programs that provide pet food alongside other support services. Some human food banks even carry pet food or partner with animal organizations to make sure both needs are covered.

From what I have seen, these programs are becoming more common as people recognize that pets are part of the family too. Supporting both at the same time helps keep families together and reduces the number of pets being surrendered due to financial stress.

If anyone is looking for helpful resources or tips on caring for pets, or starting a pet food account I found this guide useful:
https://chewypetpharmacy.blogspot.com/2025/06/why-cats-can-be-great-for-anxiety.html

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?

Thank you @enzo Dirienzo. 

This is such an important point. In the U.S., more organizations are recognizing that supporting people and supporting pets cannot be separated. When a family is struggling with food insecurity, housing instability, transportation barriers, or unexpected medical expenses, the well-being of both the person and the pet are affected.

Pet-inclusive food assistance programs help keep families together, reduce stress, improve mental health, and prevent unnecessary pet surrender. This is One Health in action - recognizing the connection between human health, animal health, and community well-being.

Some food banks now partner directly with shelters, veterinary organizations, and community groups to provide pet food and supplies alongside human services. These collaborations strengthen the entire household and acknowledge that pets are family.

For anyone searching for pet food assistance, affordable veterinary care, housing support, or other pet family resources, Pet Help Finder is an excellent resource that helps connect families with services in their community. @Heather Cammisa, @Aimee St.Arnaud, @Allie Stevens, @Kristin Jankowski, @Terry Spencer, @Janet Hoy-Gerlach, @Kaitlyn O'Neel, @Tori Williams, @Jyothi Robertson, @Sara Pizano

Thank you for highlighting how compassionate, community-based support systems can make a real difference for both people and their pets.

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Center for Pet Family Well-Being

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2026 11:02 AM
From: enzo Dirienzo
Subject: National Nutrition Month

Yes, some communities do offer combined support through both human food banks and pet food pantries, but it really depends on the area. In many places, there are separate programs that work together to support families and their pets at the same time.

For example, organizations like local SPCAs and humane societies run pet food pantries to help families who are struggling financially. These programs exist because no one should have to choose between feeding themselves or their pet.

In Canada, there are also community initiatives and outreach programs that provide pet food alongside other support services. Some human food banks even carry pet food or partner with animal organizations to make sure both needs are covered.

From what I have seen, these programs are becoming more common as people recognize that pets are part of the family too. Supporting both at the same time helps keep families together and reduces the number of pets being surrendered due to financial stress.

If anyone is looking for helpful resources or tips on caring for pets, or starting a pet food account I found this guide useful:
https://chewypetpharmacy.blogspot.com/2025/06/why-cats-can-be-great-for-anxiety.html

------------------------------
enzo Dirienzo
csr
Enzo Dirienzo
ON

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?

I work with a local Meals on Wheels provider that has a supplementary program delivering pet food! Many Meals on Wheels programs do this, but I'd love to see it implemented more widely. It's such a big help, especially because people who rely on the program to begin with struggle to afford or access food in general.

In my area, the pet food delivery idea was first floated because volunteers noticed that, even though most clients report that MOW is their ONLY regular source of food, people were sharing their delivered meals with their pets. Integrating pet food in programs that address food insecurity is vital!

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?

@Heather Cammisa, didn't you explore this once before? All Meals on Wheels programs delivering pet food to the family when they deliver human food?

I work with a local Meals on Wheels provider that has a supplementary program delivering pet food! Many Meals on Wheels programs do this, but I'd love to see it implemented more widely. It's such a big help, especially because people who rely on the program to begin with struggle to afford or access food in general.

In my area, the pet food delivery idea was first floated because volunteers noticed that, even though most clients report that MOW is their ONLY regular source of food, people were sharing their delivered meals with their pets. Integrating pet food in programs that address food insecurity is vital!

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?