Every September, communities across the country come together for Hunger Action Month, a nationwide movement led by Feeding America to end hunger and ensure families have access to the food and support they need. It’s a time when organizations, volunteers, and advocates stand shoulder to shoulder in recognition that food is a basic human right, not a luxury.

In San Jose, that commitment is lived out every day at Martha’s Kitchen. What began in 1981 with founder Louise Benson handing out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from her garage has grown into a community hub providing more than 200,000 meals each month. For families facing financial hardship, those meals are often the difference between going hungry and staying nourished.

But as Operations Manager Trish Garcia explains, there was always another need tugging at the edges. Many people coming for meals were quietly making sacrifices for their pets—feeding their animals before themselves. “We have to limit our meals on how many go out of here,” she says. “And a lot of people were going hungry because they would rather take those meals and feed their pets.”

That reality is what inspired us at HSSV to partner with Martha’s Kitchen—so families don’t have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets.

From Skepticism to Relief

When HSSV first approached Martha’s Kitchen, Trish wasn’t sure the timing was right. “We weren’t in the right spot to make it happen,” she recalls. “But we knew the need was huge. People were always asking, ‘Do you have any pet food?’ And we never had enough to go around.”

When the program finally launched, the response was overwhelming. “That first test day, we gave out everything,” Trish says. “And everybody kept asking, ‘Are you going to do this again? Every week?’ It was clear this was a lifeline for people.”

The food itself may have been simple—bags of dry kibble—but the relief was profound. “The first time we did it, people were freaking out. They couldn’t believe it. I hear it all the time: I can’t afford this, but I love my animal. He’s my baby. And I get it. I have three Australian Shepherds myself, and I would put them before me, too. They’re family.”

More Than a Meal

At Martha’s Kitchen, the goal has always been to nourish people. By teaming up with HSSV’s Pet Pantry, the organization can now support families in a fuller sense ensuring both people and pets are fed.

“This program is amazing because it helps people in a full circle,” Trish says. “Now they’re not having to sacrifice their meal for their family pet. For so many, their pets are emotional support, warmth, and companionship. Being able to provide food for both the person and their pet is Rockstar status.”

She’s seen how even the smallest things—a scoop of kibble, a bag that lasts the week—can transform someone’s quality of life. “It’s heartbreaking to watch people walk away and give their meal to their animal,” she reflects. “But with this program, they don’t have to do that anymore. You guys being able to partner with us and make this happen is everything.”

Meeting People Where They Are

For families who come to Martha’s Kitchen, the relief is immediate. Hot meals fill empty stomachs, groceries stock fridges, and now, pet food ensures dogs and cats at home don’t go hungry either.

“It’s huge for people,” Trish says. “Times are already bad, and they’re going to get worse, unfortunately. Any service we can extend while people are here getting a meal helps out tremendously. It improves their quality of life because when you’re cold and you’re hungry, it’s your pet who keeps you warm, keeps you going.”

That philosophy is shared by HSSV’s Community Programs Manager, Ling Jiang, who sees partnerships like this as essential.

“Our partners help us get our service into the hands of people who need it most,” Ling explains. “Pets are part of the family structure. Many people choose between feeding their pets and feeding themselves. The goal of the Pet Pantry is to keep people from having to make that choice.”

Ling adds that partnerships like the one with Martha’s Kitchen don’t just help families—they help community organizations strengthen their reach. “By providing pet food and supplies, we’re giving our partners another tool to extend their services,” she says. “It allows organizations like Martha’s Kitchen to offer a more complete support system for families—meeting not just basic human needs, but the needs of the pets who are part of those families too.”

A Broader Movement

The collaboration between Martha’s Kitchen and HSSV is part of a wider recognition during Hunger Action Month: that food insecurity touches every part of life. Families shouldn’t have to choose between a hot meal for themselves or for the pet who has been their companion through hardship.

As Trish puts it: “It’s about dignity. People are shocked when they find out we can give them pet food. It gives them peace of mind. They can walk out of here with a meal for themselves, a meal for their family, and a meal for their pet. That’s quality of life right there.”

Hunger Action Month is about more than raising awareness, it’s about action. Together with Martha’s Kitchen and countless volunteers and donors, we’re building a community where no one has to go hungry and no pet has to be left behind.

How You Can Help

This Hunger Action Month, supporting programs like these is more critical than ever. You can:

• Donate to keep shelves stocked with pet food and groceries.
• Volunteer at Martha’s Kitchen or HSSV to help distribute meals.
• Spread the word so more families know about these resources.

Together, we can make sure no one—two-legged or four-legged—goes hungry.

As Trish reminds us: “Times are tough, and they’re going to get tougher. But this program gives people hope and lets them hold onto what matters most: their pets.”

And that’s what Hunger Action Month is all about: coming together to protect families, in every sense of the word.