Distribution Partnership
DF2FM’s distribution partners are the places where clients pick up pet food—usually established human food pantries. Working with DF2FM allows our partners to add pet food to their menu of client services, bringing a more holistic approach to client care.
DF2FM does not charge for pet food and partners cannot charge their clients for pet food.
DF2FM does not give pet food directly to individuals; it is supplied to our distribution partners. Individuals seeking pet food assistance need to visit a distribution partner to get pet food. Partners use their standard eligibility requirements and distribution specifics.
Pet food received via DF2FM is meant to keep pets in their homes and should not be used for strays, feral colonies, fosters, etc. While we understand the need, we have limited resources and must stay within our mission.
DF2FM needs to be aware of our partners’ procedures, demographics, and numbers for grant reporting purposes.
Partners need to ensure regular communication with DF2FM about distribution numbers and trends, stock needs, demographics of clients, etc.
Distribution Partner Requirements
Must be 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations which serve without restrictions on age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, orientation, or disability.
Must have the space to store the pet food. We will work with you to determine the volume of pet food required to meet the needs of your clients and an acceptable delivery schedule.
Must have staff or volunteers to manage distribution of pet food. Distribution partners distribute pet food to their clients through their own regular processes.
Must be able to divide large pet food donations into smaller units for distribution. When dry pet food is received in large bags, the distribution partner needs to be able to break down those bags into smaller units for more responsible distribution.
Other Considerations
When planning to work with your organization as a distribution partner, DF2FM will need to discuss several topics with you, including but not limited to the following:
Your service processes. What are your eligibility requirements for clients (i.e., ZIP code restrictions or income levels)? How are clients screened? How, and how often, are services delivered? Do you address other social issues or offer other social services at your agency?
Your clients. How many clients do you serve each year? Where do your clients come from? How are they referred to you? Are you located near public transportation or public housing? What is your demographic breakdown of clients served?
Your other partnerships. Are you affiliated with any other local food banks or any national food assistance networks? If so, which ones? What types of benefits do you receive from those affiliations? Where can we fill in a gap instead of duplicating existing benefits?
Preparation
If your organization is interested in becoming a distribution partner with Don’t Forget to Feed Me, please research the organization as needed.
If you need more information, you can contact Regena Taylor, CEO, and Rudy Taylor, COO, at Community Food Bank to inquire about their experiences with Don’t Forget to Feed Me at (817) 924-3333 or regenataylor@food-bank.org.
Once you have decided to become a distribution partner, complete the following steps:
1. Begin a needs assessment. Have your staff ask every person who receives benefits from you if they would like to receive pet food, how many animals they have, and what types. You should get a good picture of your clients’ needs fairly quickly.
2. Decide where to store pet food. It is our experience that pet food moves very quickly through distribution programs; however, you will want to ensure that you can store enough between collection deliveries.
3. Decide which staff or volunteers will manage the pet food. DF2FM does not want to place undue burden on any other agency; however, after pet food is delivered, we are unable to manage it at the distribution level. Distribution partners provide the space for breaking down large quantities into smaller units and the people to do this.
Ready to help families keep their pets?
Contact us for an application! Let’s begin to explore the possibility of working together for the benefit of families and pets.
Director
Don’t Forget to Feed Me
817-334-0727
manager@dontforgettofeedme.org