We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Koegl. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.

Hi Maria, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

Don’t Forget to Feed Me Pet Food Bank (DF2FM) provides pet food to distribution partners at no charge via the Stay…or Go program. These partners serve low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families. These families include children, disabled individuals, and individuals who may have no one else in their lives – except for these pets. DF2FM aims to keep families together – whole families – and that includes their companion animals. When people are met with uncertain and difficult times, the last thing they want to do is get rid of a family member because they cannot afford to put food in their bowl. By providing this essential need, we allow families to remain intact and avoid further potential mental health crises upon the relinquishment of a loved one. In a 2021 client survey, DF2FM found that 21% of clients reported their pet as an emotional support animal and 34% reported previously skipping their own meals so they could afford to feed their pets. This service also helps divert animals from being surrendered to already overwhelmed and overfilled area rescues and shelters.

Through the Home, Not Alone program, DF2FM provides senior centers with pet food at no charge. These centers serve a senior adult population surviving on a limited income. For seniors especially, companion animals may be the only family they have and/or see for long stretches of time. These pets keep them company and give them a sense of purpose. Many times, seniors will go without food and/or medication for themselves to continue feeding their pets. In a 2021 client survey, DF2FM found that 9% of clients reported skipping their prescriptions and another 9% reported skipping utility bills so they were able to afford feeding their pets.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

DF2FM started as a temporary initiative during the 2008 economic crisis, but it quickly became apparent the need it met was not temporary. DF2FM remains the only pet food bank in North Texas and does not attempt to duplicate services offered by other agencies. By providing pet owners with pet food, DF2FM ensures not only that owners are able to feed themselves, but also that pets receive food that is nutritionally appropriate for animals. If pet owners are unable to feed their animals, those animals will end up in shelters or on the streets; DF2FM helps relieve stress on shelters, rescues, and local animal control.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I first became involved with DF2FM after meeting co-founder Terry Woodfin in 2009. At that time I worked at an animal hospital in Colleyville and I helped DF2FM foster partnerships with local animal businesses. In the early years of the organization I was the volunteer office manager. As office manager, I helped develop (and name!) our summer and winter recurring fundraising campaigns: Hot & Hungry and Cold & Hungry. As the organization grew, so did my role. I was the first Chair of the newly created Steering Committee in 2013, before being asked shortly thereafter to become a member of the Board of Directors. In later years I served as Vice President and Secretary officer roles of the Board. In 2020 I accepted the position of Operations Manager, becoming Director in 2022.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

DF2FM strives to maintain transparency with supporters and partners. It is easy to tell people what they want to hear, but respect is earned through honesty. As an example, the organization recently published the 2021 annual report showing that programs made up 86% of the expenses. People wonder why programs not 100%, but that is practically impossible. Every credit card donation incurs a processing fee; that fee is a fundraising expense. The time our Director spends researching, writing, and applying for grants is also fundraising.

We think the most important thing to know is that $0.86 of every $1.00 donated goes directly to programs. Fundraising and management are necessary for programs to succeed, and we will always be honest about our expenses.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dontforgettofeedme.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/df2fm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DF2FM
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3043498/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DF2FM