Food relief for vulnerable Australians

In the past year, 3.7 million Australian households (36%) experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. This means, at the very least, they are reducing the quality, variety, or desirability of their food and at worst, people are missing some (or all) meals. Half of all renters and a third of all mortgage holders are struggling to put a meal on their table, with at least 60% of food insecure households having someone in paid work. It's a stark reminder that hunger could be impacting the lives of your neighbours, friends, and colleagues. 

The rising cost of living is now tipping people over the edge. Food insecurity is now affecting households that have never been touched by it before. In the last 12 months, 77% of those households experiencing food insecurity did so for the first time. For the majority of those, the episode was intermittent and brief as they struggled to manage their budget during a cost-of-living crisis. While for a few, it was due to an unexpected event such as the loss of their job or unanticipated medical bills – the more common reasons cited prior to the pandemic. In the past year, Foodbank sourced more than 90 million meals to help those in need. More than 30% of all food and groceries distributed by Foodbank nationally went to regional and rural communities. 

The annual Foodbank Hunger Report released in October 2023, reminds us that anyone can experience food insecurity. Through this research, we continue to spread the critical message that there is no shame in getting help. If someone you know needs help, please visit our websiteandthe 'Find Food' button to search for food relief services nearby. 

Thank you for your continued support, which will go towards ensuring Foodbank warehouses across Australia have access to high-demand items that don’t come in sufficient quantities via traditional food rescue channels. Through your generous donations, we can keep distributing food for as long as people need it - every dollar you donate creates two nourishing meals for someone who is struggling.

Thank you.

Links:

• Foodbank Hunger Report 2023