Anti-Poverty Week brings attention to the often-overlooked issue of poverty and serves as a powerful reminder that poverty is not just a problem for developing countries but also affects many people in Australia.

During this week, various events and activities are organised to educate the public about poverty, its causes, and its consequences. These events provide a platform for people to share their experiences and advocate for policies that can help alleviate poverty.

Food insecurity is a significant issue in Western Australia, affecting 34% of households. Many families struggle to afford nutritious food, leading to health and wellbeing issues. Food insecurity can have long-term consequences, including poor physical and mental health, reduced academic performance in children, and increased stress and anxiety for adults. By addressing food insecurity, we can help improve the quality of life for many Western Australians and create a healthier, more resilient community.

At Foodbank, we are committed to empowering households to stay in their homes by helping them spend less on food without sacrificing quality and nutrition. We teach people new skills on how to eat well to be well and support them in taking steps with our partners to become self-reliant for the long term. All Western Australians deserve that opportunity.

We know that increased fuel, energy, insurance, rent, food and the daily cost of living expenses often see individuals go without food and necessities to make sure their children and pets don’t. This means people are often skipping meals, reducing portion sizes or even going entire days without eating.

As the cost-of-living crisis has deepened, many Western Australians turned to us for help – some for the very first time. We know asking for help can feel overwhelming, so feedback from our customers that we have made a real difference for them keeps us working hard to ensure nobody gets left behind.

Our recent customer survey certainly showed us that with the help of our generous partners, donors, growers we can changes people’s lives one meal at a time. One customer said, “The service is greatly appreciated. Not only does it assist me with good nutrition, but overall frees up some funds to enable a better quality of life. Big respect to all of the volunteers, who constantly how kindness and have a very positive attitude.” Another shared, “Thanks for what you do couldn’t survive without it.”

We are incredibly grateful to all our partners for who support our purpose to Feed., Educate. and Advocate. for everyday Western Australians by ensuring that we can provide nutritious and healthy food to those that need it the most.

By raising awareness and inspiring action, we can work together to create a more equitable and supportive community for all Western Australians. Let’s continue to support those in need and strive for a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.