Tackle Pet Hunger 2025: Keeping Pets and People Together

Animal Welfare

Oct 12

Across central Ohio, many families are struggling to make ends meet. According to the United Way of Central Ohio, nearly 40% of Ohio households live below the ALICE threshold (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—meaning they’re working hard but still unable to cover basic needs like housing, childcare, and food.

Sadly, this financial strain also affects family pets. Some households face heartbreaking choices: whether to feed themselves or their pets, or even surrender a beloved companion to a shelter.

That’s why the Tackle Pet Hunger campaign was created over ten years ago—to help families keep their pets during difficult times. The initiative, led by the Ohio Animal Foundation, provides temporary pet food assistance to households experiencing hardship, ensuring pets stay with the people who love them most.

Since its launch, Tackle Pet Hunger has distributed more than 48,000 pounds of cat and dog food to hungry pets throughout central Ohio. These efforts are made possible thanks to strong community partnerships with Faithful Forgotten Best Friends and the Pet Promise Pet Food Pantry, along with generous sponsorship from Haus Studio Designs.

Together, they’re making a real difference for families facing homelessness, illness, job loss, or financial instability—helping keep pets out of shelters and in loving homes.