Media Release    

Foodbank NSW & ACT joins forces with Blacktown City Council’s BARC to reduce anxiety for rescue dogs using simple household ingredients 

Pets make up such a huge part of our lives, and for many, their welfare is just as important as any other family member.  

So, what if there was a simple way to help calm your furry friend when they become anxious or bored? 

Ahead of National Pet Day, Foodbank NSW & ACT has partnered with Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC) to reduce stress and bring enrichment to the lives of hundreds of animals in their care – and it could work for your pet too.  

As the largest and most trusted food relief organisation in the state and territory, Foodbank NSW & ACT works with a network of over 700 Community Partners to deliver vital food relief to individuals and families facing hardship across NSW and the ACT.  

And that work also includes supporting the animals within those communities, as the organisation regularly supplies pet food, toys and accessories to support households of all shapes and sizes.  

Most recently, Foodbank NSW & ACT linked up with BARC by providing boxes of surplus donated dried herbs, which are used by the Centre to help stimulate rescue dogs and enrich their senses.  

BARC uses the herbs inside sniff “enrichment stations” to help calm dogs prior to their daily walks, which is often the most stressful part of their day.   

Kate Bojarojc, Animal Attendant at BARC, said simple scent enrichment techniques were helping reduce stress and improve behaviour in the dogs in their care. 

As a community-focused organisation, Foodbank knows the significant role pets play in supporting households in need.  

The 2025 Pet Hunger Report found 56% of food insecure households across Australia had a pet, with more than half of those citing the importance of their four-legged friend in providing companionship, as well as mental and emotional support.  

Samantha Prescott, Chief Operating Officer of Foodbank NSW & ACT, said the organisation is committed to supporting the communities they serve in any way they can.  

“At Foodbank NSW & ACT, we’re dedicated to supporting those facing hardship – and that extends to the pets in our network too,” Mrs Prescott said.  

“While they may seem small, we know the herb donations make a big difference for those animals in BARC’s care, and we’re proud to help support their enrichment while they wait to be adopted.  

“We know how important animals are to the people we serve, with many choosing to feed their pets before they feed themselves.  

“So, if we can play a small role in contributing to the overall wellbeing of animals at BARC, we’re hopeful they can go on to enrich the lives of individuals and families doing it tough across the state and territory.”