One Health

Every year on October 16, the world comes together to observe World Food Day. First established in 1979 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it marks the founding of the FAO in 1945 and serves as a global call to action against hunger and malnutrition. While the spotlight is often on people experiencing food insecurity, it's essential to remember that pets are part of the picture as well.

Nutrition is a key social determinant of health, as it directly impacts physical well-being, mental health, and overall quality of life. When food is scarce, the consequences ripple through families, affecting not only people but also their pets. For many households, pets are more than companions-they are family members. When food runs short, families may find themselves making difficult decisions: whether to feed themselves or their pets. Families often share what little they have so their pets don't go hungry, further stretching already tight budgets.

On World Food Day, let's widen the conversation. Access to food should include support for the whole household-people and pets alike. By acknowledging nutrition as a foundation for health, we can work toward stronger, healthier communities where no one-human or animal-has to go hungry.

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

A growing number of organizations are rethinking how they deliver food assistance-by combining human and pet food resources. Food banks, pantries, and meal programs are partnering with animal welfare groups to ensure families can get everything they need in one place. This integrated approach not only reduces barriers to access but also keeps families together and pets healthy.

Meals on Wheels America reports that 1 in 5 clients have gone without food for themselves to feed their pets. When we meet families where they are-addressing both human and pet needs-we create a more compassionate, comprehensive response to food insecurity.

I have been partnering with @KaDee Andreasen at the Humane Society of the TN Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of East TN to help provide pet food and supplies to three low-income housing units, and Knox Pride.

I would love to learn more about how your organizations are partnering to provide human and pet resources. 

Every year on October 16, the world comes together to observe World Food Day. First established in 1979 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it marks the founding of the FAO in 1945 and serves as a global call to action against hunger and malnutrition. While the spotlight is often on people experiencing food insecurity, it's essential to remember that pets are part of the picture as well.

Nutrition is a key social determinant of health, as it directly impacts physical well-being, mental health, and overall quality of life. When food is scarce, the consequences ripple through families, affecting not only people but also their pets. For many households, pets are more than companions-they are family members. When food runs short, families may find themselves making difficult decisions: whether to feed themselves or their pets. Families often share what little they have so their pets don't go hungry, further stretching already tight budgets.

On World Food Day, let's widen the conversation. Access to food should include support for the whole household-people and pets alike. By acknowledging nutrition as a foundation for health, we can work toward stronger, healthier communities where no one-human or animal-has to go hungry.

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


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

HI Candice;

     We have had great success collaborating with food pantries in Vermont and Massachusetts.  I am President of PAWSitive Pantry and our best collaboration is with the Vermont Foodbank.  Along with the pet food support from Feeding America/PetSmart Charities as well as other collaborations Vermont residents had access to almost 200,000 lbs of Pet Food in 2024. In Vermont several Meals on Wheels programs take advantage of their program. I know the director of that program and am happy to connect.  They continue to accept more groups.  In Massachusetts since we don't have the collaboration with a Feeding America Partner we work in a more grass roots manner.  I have attached the pdf of our 2024 annual report so you can see how a small group can really help make a difference.  I have also attached an info graphic to share how we work which might give you ideas on how to model your collaborative program.  I agree 100% that we should all explore using existing delivery systems vs creating new ones if possible.  I am very happy to discuss further.  

A growing number of organizations are rethinking how they deliver food assistance-by combining human and pet food resources. Food banks, pantries, and meal programs are partnering with animal welfare groups to ensure families can get everything they need in one place. This integrated approach not only reduces barriers to access but also keeps families together and pets healthy.

Meals on Wheels America reports that 1 in 5 clients have gone without food for themselves to feed their pets. When we meet families where they are-addressing both human and pet needs-we create a more compassionate, comprehensive response to food insecurity.

I have been partnering with @KaDee Andreasen at the Humane Society of the TN Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of East TN to help provide pet food and supplies to three low-income housing units, and Knox Pride.

I would love to learn more about how your organizations are partnering to provide human and pet resources. 

Every year on October 16, the world comes together to observe World Food Day. First established in 1979 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it marks the founding of the FAO in 1945 and serves as a global call to action against hunger and malnutrition. While the spotlight is often on people experiencing food insecurity, it's essential to remember that pets are part of the picture as well.

Nutrition is a key social determinant of health, as it directly impacts physical well-being, mental health, and overall quality of life. When food is scarce, the consequences ripple through families, affecting not only people but also their pets. For many households, pets are more than companions-they are family members. When food runs short, families may find themselves making difficult decisions: whether to feed themselves or their pets. Families often share what little they have so their pets don't go hungry, further stretching already tight budgets.

On World Food Day, let's widen the conversation. Access to food should include support for the whole household-people and pets alike. By acknowledging nutrition as a foundation for health, we can work toward stronger, healthier communities where no one-human or animal-has to go hungry.

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


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

HI Candice;

     We have had great success collaborating with food pantries in Vermont and Massachusetts.  I am President of PAWSitive Pantry and our best collaboration is with the Vermont Foodbank.  Along with the pet food support from Feeding America/PetSmart Charities as well as other collaborations Vermont residents had access to almost 200,000 lbs of Pet Food in 2024. In Vermont several Meals on Wheels programs take advantage of their program. I know the director of that program and am happy to connect.  They continue to accept more groups.  In Massachusetts since we don't have the collaboration with a Feeding America Partner we work in a more grass roots manner.  I have attached the pdf of our 2024 annual report so you can see how a small group can really help make a difference.  I have also attached an info graphic to share how we work which might give you ideas on how to model your collaborative program.  I agree 100% that we should all explore using existing delivery systems vs creating new ones if possible.  I am very happy to discuss further.  

------------------------------
Stacy LeBaron
Head Cat
The Community Cats Podcast
Warren VT
978-239-2090

Original Message:
Sent: 10-15-2025 08:04 AM
From: Candice Hinkle
Subject: World Food Day: Remembering Pets and People Facing Food Insecurity

A growing number of organizations are rethinking how they deliver food assistance-by combining human and pet food resources. Food banks, pantries, and meal programs are partnering with animal welfare groups to ensure families can get everything they need in one place. This integrated approach not only reduces barriers to access but also keeps families together and pets healthy.

Meals on Wheels America reports that 1 in 5 clients have gone without food for themselves to feed their pets. When we meet families where they are-addressing both human and pet needs-we create a more compassionate, comprehensive response to food insecurity.

I have been partnering with @KaDee Andreasen at the Humane Society of the TN Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of East TN to help provide pet food and supplies to three low-income housing units, and Knox Pride.

I would love to learn more about how your organizations are partnering to provide human and pet resources. 

------------------------------
Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2025 05:00 AM
From: Michael Blackwell
Subject: World Food Day: Remembering Pets and People Facing Food Insecurity

Every year on October 16, the world comes together to observe World Food Day. First established in 1979 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it marks the founding of the FAO in 1945 and serves as a global call to action against hunger and malnutrition. While the spotlight is often on people experiencing food insecurity, it's essential to remember that pets are part of the picture as well.

Nutrition is a key social determinant of health, as it directly impacts physical well-being, mental health, and overall quality of life. When food is scarce, the consequences ripple through families, affecting not only people but also their pets. For many households, pets are more than companions-they are family members. When food runs short, families may find themselves making difficult decisions: whether to feed themselves or their pets. Families often share what little they have so their pets don't go hungry, further stretching already tight budgets.

On World Food Day, let's widen the conversation. Access to food should include support for the whole household-people and pets alike. By acknowledging nutrition as a foundation for health, we can work toward stronger, healthier communities where no one-human or animal-has to go hungry.

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


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