In a recent annual report released by the Food Bank of Australia, it has been revealed that over the past 12 months, 3.7 million families have suffered from food insecurity, marking an increase of nearly 350,000 families compared to the previous year.
More than 2.3 million of these families experienced severe food insecurity, meaning they either went hungry, reduced their food intake, skipped meals, or spent entire days without food.
The report indicates that, compared to 2022, around 383,000 additional families are now struggling to put food on the table.
A staggering 77% of these families cited the primary cause of food insecurity as the cost of living crisis, followed by a decrease in job opportunities and inadequate social welfare payments, with 42% of survey respondents stating that these were contributing factors.
Brianna Casey, the CEO of the Australian Food Bank, described the country as being in the midst of a food security crisis and stated that 77% of those experiencing food insecurity tend to be younger, have middle to higher incomes, and are also looking for employment.
She added that the number of families experiencing chronic food insecurity has remained stable at around 750,000.
The report also noted a shift in people's shopping habits, with 48% of survey participants reporting a decrease in their purchases of fresh produce and protein, which could have adverse health effects.
Casey warned that if the current trend continues, by the end of 2023, half of Australia's population will face significant challenges in meeting their nutritional needs, saying that people need a job, and at least one if not two full-time jobs or their equivalent to keep up with the bills that perhaps one job used to take care of.
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