Single-parenting and low-income households are being hit hardest by Australia’s cost-of-living crisis, with food insecurity causing many to go entire days without food.
Nearly half (48 per cent) of Australia’s low-income households (those earning less than $30,000 per year) are experiencing food insecurity at the highest rate since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis, up five per cent on 2022.
This is according to statistics from food relief organisation Foodbank’s 2024 Hunger report, which surveyed 4,260 people and offers an insight into the state of hunger across the country.
The report highlights the growing divide between those who are able to absorb or adapt to rising costs and those being left behind.
More than half of all food insecure households are experiencing the most severe level of hardship, regularly skipping meals or going without food for entire days.
Single parent households are the hardest hit, with over two-thirds (69 per cent) facing food insecurity and 41 per cent of these also experiencing the severest form.
Food insecurity is being felt more acutely in the regions as well– 37 per cent compared to metropolitan areas, where 30 per cent are food insecure.
“We warned at the beginning of the cost-of-living crisis that low-income households were always going to suffer first, worst and for the longest and these findings confirm this,” said Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM.
“We are seeing families that were just getting by, now reaching their limits and making unimaginable choices.”
“Unsurprisingly, people are being forced to cut back on the most basic of essentials, nutritious food, because of the combination of higher costs of housing and essential goods, particularly food and utilities, while wages fail to keep pace – all of which are entirely outside of the control of most Australian households,” said Casey.
Australia’s charities continue to grapple with historically high demand for food relief. Food insecure households also report receiving food relief more often as they struggle to cope. Fifty-three per cent of people are seeking food more often than a year ago.
Adding to the problem, family and friends are increasingly unable to fill the food gap, with only a quarter of food insecure households now receiving this help, down from a third in 2023.
“This is an alarming statistic that demonstrates just how desperate the situation has become for those who were once a lifeline suddenly finding themselves living pay to pay, watching every dollar and sadly, no longer in a position to extend help to loved ones and friends,” said Casey.
“We know it’s going to take months, if not years, for many families to bounce back. We will continue to wrap our arms around our communities for as long as it takes, doing our bit to help nutritious, culturally appropriate food get to as many struggling households as possible.”