BARC and the Southeast Ohio Food Bank launched a program to tackle food insecurity for pets and owners

By: Arielle Teppert

Posted on:
Thursday, April 10, 2025

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — A new program ensures pets in southeast Ohio don’t go hungry.

Behavioral Analysis Reform for Companions, better known as BARC, and the Southeast Ohio Food Bank launched a program aimed at fighting food insecurity for both pets and their owners. 

Nearly 17% of southeastern Ohioans are impoverished and most own pets, according to Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP).

This combination has led to an increase in animal surrenders and overcrowded shelters.

Melanie Yoder, executive director of BARC, said pet owners are often met with the choice of surrendering their furry friend or feeding themselves. 

“I don’t think any dog and any displacement between a human and a pet should occur because of the inability to feed oneself and your companion,” said Yoder.

To combat the issue, PetSmart and Feeding America have donated hundreds of bags of pet food to the Southeast Ohio Food Bank.

Once donations are delivered they are sorted and distributed to people in need.

Alicia Miklos, director of the Southeast Ohio Food Bank, said people’s reaction to this program has made it worthwhile.

“It is amazing just to see the gratitude on people’s faces when we are out distributing resources,” said Miklos. “It warms my heart.”

Although the program is off to a good start, there is still more that needs to be done.

With the program entirely donation based, community outreach has become a vital component.

“We are asking for help from the community to keep this program donation funded,” said Yoder. 

Organizers hope that through donations and outreach opportunities, community members will work together to keep furry friends in their forever homes. 

For more information on the program and how you can donate visit hapcap.org/giveforpets.