Food Relief for 3.5M Australian Households

Across Australia, 3.4 million households are facing food insecurity, with more than half enduring the most severe hardship, regularly skipping meals, cutting portion sizes, or going entire days without eating.

When budgets are stretched to breaking point, personal and household care items are often the first to be sacrificed. Yet these are not luxuries, they are essentials that help people stay healthy, confident, and connected to their community. For someone who has lost everything in a disaster, is escaping domestic violence, or is simply struggling to get by, items like toothbrushes, nappies, period products, and cleaning supplies can mean the difference between feeling invisible and feeling valued.

The need is real, and it is growing and here we’re shining a light on the growing demand for these products and the impact they have on people’s lives.

• Nearly half of food-insecure households request personal and household care products.

• In households with children, 51% request personal care items and almost as many ask for cleaning supplies.
• One in four households experiencing food insecurity seek access to period products.

For families like Melonie’s*, these donations are life-changing:

“I’m a single mother on disability having epilepsy. Foodbank means a lot to me and my family. It means we can eat quality food and have baby supplies.”

Keith* knows the difference that donated toiletries can make:

“The toiletries that are available mean I can treat myself to something that I would not have the financial means to do so… it makes it even more special.”

These stories are a reminder that dignity is just as important as a full plate. Personal care items help protect health, restore confidence, and bring relief to those who have been forced to go without.

You can help us keep shelves stocked, not just with food, but with the essentials that make people feel human again. Your support today will help deliver dignity, comfort, and hope to those who need it most.

Thank you for your continuous support.

Links:

• Foodbank Hunger Report 2024