Low-income households at breaking point and routinely skipping meals

Tuesday 15 October: Low-income households are enduring the highest rates of food insecurity since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis, according to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2024, released today.

Now in its eleventh year, the report from food relief organisation Foodbank, surveyed 4,260 people and highlights the growing divide between those who are able to absorb or adapt to rising costs and those being left behind. More than 870,000 (48%) of Australia’s low-income households (earning less than $30,000) are experiencing food insecurity. This is the highest rate since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis, up 5% on 2022.

The report offers an insight into the state of hunger across the country and reveals more than half (59%) of all food insecure households are experiencing the most severe level of hardship, regularly skipping meals or going entire days without food.

Single parent households are the hardest hit with over two-thirds (69%) facing food insecurity and 41% of these also experiencing the severest form.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM is extremely concerned with the latest findings.

“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. We are seeing families that were just getting by, now reaching their limits and making unimaginable choices.”

This year’s report highlights the most common contributing factors to food insecurity in Australia.

“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 Ms Casey.

Food relief charities such as Foodbank are continuing to experience heightened demand, not only because of the ongoing impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, but also the increase in awareness of where to get help, coupled with core support systems, such as family and friends, no longer being able to assist.

More than half (53%) of food insecure households reported they are receiving food relief more often than a year ago. Worryingly, food insecure households receiving help from friends and family has dropped significantly from 32% in 2023 to 25% in 2024.

“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.

“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,” said Ms Casey.

Foodbank Hunger Report 2024

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Historic reform a step towards feeding hungry Australians

Friday 28 June 2024: Legislation introduced next week aims to unlock tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables for hungry Australians struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Inspired by the National Food Donation Tax Incentive, this new reform represents a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity in Australia.

For more information about the National Food Donation Tax Incentive with the full proposal and communications resources, click here.

New Legislation to Encourage Food Donations

Western Australian Senator Dean Smith will table a Private Senator’s Bill, the Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations Bill, in the Senate. This Bill aims to change Australia’s tax system to encourage the donation, rather than dumping, of food. It has the potential to deliver millions of extra meals and help Australia reach its bipartisan commitment to halve food waste by 2030.

Inspiration from the National Food Donation Tax Incentive

The Bill is inspired by the National Food Donation Tax Incentive, a proposal developed by KPMG through the support of End Food Waste Australia, the NSW Environmental Protections Agency and Queensland Department of Environment and Science. It incentivises food businesses, such as farmers, wholesalers and transporters to donate surplus food and allied services to Australian food relief charities.

The incentive has garnered support in recent Parliamentary inquiries and was a key recommendation in the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture’s Report into Food Security in Australia. It also enjoys widespread endorsement from representative organisations and businesses in the Australian food industry and works successfully in other countries, including France, Canada, and the United States.

Foodbank Australia CEO Highlights Urgency

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM, stressed the importance of this incentive.

We have families unable to put food on the table despite tonnes of perfectly edible food being dumped or ploughed in each year. We know that households under financial pressure have been forced to reduce – or even remove – their spend on fresh fruit & vegetables and protein, meaning demand for these products at food banks across Australia has skyrocketed. This tax incentive is smart policy, and the debate in the Senate next week should be about how quickly we can introduce it, not about party politics.

Support from OzHarvest and SecondBite

OzHarvest CEO, James Goth, agreed, “Demand for food relief is at an all-time high and our charities are telling us they are struggling to cope with the ongoing increase in numbers. This bill has the potential to get edible food off farms and onto the plates of those who need it most, addressing food security and food waste simultaneously. It’s crucial for politicians to recognise this need in the community and unite to implement this reform.”

SecondBite CEO, Daniel Moorfield, added, “We are committed to working with the government and all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this tax incentive. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of Australians and move closer to achieving our food waste reduction goals.”

Bill to Be Introduced in Senate

Senator Dean Smith stated that the Bill represents a single, straightforward solution to two problems.

Food relief charities are fighting to meet unprecedented demand, while at the same time an unbelievable amount of food is dumped each year, much of it edible, and often because it’s cheaper than donating it. My Private Senator’s Bill – originally shaped by the National Food Donation Tax Incentive and refined through close consultation with the Australian charity sector – is aimed at turning that around and delivering meaningful help to Australians in need.

The Bill will be introduced into the Senate on 3 July and is expected to be referred to a committee for inquiry. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to make submissions of their suggested changes and improvements, with a Parliamentary report to be delivered by 30 October.

More like this

Food Waste in Australia

Collaborative Supply Program

Foodbank Hunger Report 2023

15 July 2024, Sydney: The inability to afford period products has hidden and severe consequences including missing school or work or using unhygienic items such as socks, newspapers and rags as replacements, potentially leading to medical issues.

Foodbank Hunger Report 2023 revealed that 29% of food insecure households need more period products from charities and community groups. The report also found that 47% of food insecure households were requesting more everyday household items such as cleaning and personal care products with the cost of living being the main reason for so many households doing it tough.

Research by Share the Dignity, a charity dedicated to sourcing and distributing period care products to those who need it, found that 19% of high school students often or sometimes stayed at home because they could not afford pads or tampons while one in ten tertiary students and employees reported having trouble buying period products every month for the same reason.

Brianna Casey AM, Foodbank Australia CEO, understands that ensuring period products are available to everyone who needs them is essential for the wellbeing of those in need, “Providing access to essential period care products is about more than just health – it’s about dignity, comfort and confidence when they turn up to school or work and providing them with what they need to simply be themselves.”

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Historic reform a step towards feeding more hungry Australians

Tuesday 2 July 2024: A Bill aiming to unlock tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables for hungry Australians struggling with the cost-of-living crisis has been tabled in the Senate. Inspired by the National Food Donation Tax Incentive, this proposed legislative reform represents a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity in Australia.

For more information about the National Food Donation Tax Incentive with the full proposal and communications resources, click here.

New Bill to Encourage Food Donations

Western Australian Senator Dean Smith has tabled a Private Senator’s Bill, the Tax Laws Amendment (Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations) Bill, in the Senate. This Bill aims to change Australia’s tax system to encourage the donation, rather than dumping, of food. It has the potential to deliver millions of extra meals and help Australia reach its bipartisan commitment to halve food waste by 2030.

The Bill has been referred to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 15 November 2024. Thank you to those who have made a submission in response to the Bill, and those who have helped us advocate for these reforms through our industry letter of support. You can find out more about the Bill and the Senate Inquiry here.

Inspiration from the National Food Donation Tax Incentive

The Bill is inspired by the National Food Donation Tax Incentive, a proposal developed by KPMG through the support of End Food Waste Australia, the NSW Environmental Protection Agency and Queensland Department of Environment and Science. It incentivises food businesses, such as farmers, wholesalers and transporters to donate surplus food and allied services to Australian food relief charities.

Foodbank Australia CEO Highlights Urgency

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM, stressed the importance of this incentive.

We have families unable to put food on the table despite tonnes of perfectly edible food being dumped or ploughed in each year. We know that households under financial pressure have been forced to reduce – or even remove – their spend on fresh fruit & vegetables and protein, meaning demand for these products at food banks across Australia has skyrocketed. This tax incentive is smart policy, and the debate in the Senate next week should be about how quickly we can introduce it, not about party politics.

Support from OzHarvest and SecondBite

Bill Tabled in Senate

Senator Dean Smith stated that the Bill represents a single, straightforward solution to two problems.

Food relief charities are fighting to meet unprecedented demand, while at the same time an unbelievable amount of food is dumped each year, much of it edible, and often because it’s cheaper than donating it. My Private Senator’s Bill – originally shaped by the National Food Donation Tax Incentive and refined through close consultation with the Australian charity sector – is aimed at turning that around and delivering meaningful help to Australians in need.

For more information about the National Food Donation Tax Incentive that led to the creation of this Bill, including the full proposal and communications resources, click here.

Struggling Australians go hungry to feed their pets

Thursday 11 April 2024: Pet owners living in food insecure households are resorting to self-sacrifice to protect the welfare of their pets, with almost a quarter (24%) skipping meals so their pets can eat.

According to a report published today by Foodbank Australia to mark National Pets Day, food insecure households value their pets to such an extent that they don’t want to let them go hungry.

Despite continued cost of living pressures, surrendering pets is an absolute last resort with 14% of pet owners in food insecure households reported giving up a pet during the previous 12 months. As low as this is, it is still twice the national average for Australian households (7%).

The report, supported by Mars Petcare Australia, a long-standing donor to Foodbank with brands such as Pedigree and Whiskas, reveals that half (56%) of food insecure households in the past 12 months own a pet, higher than the Australian average (48%).

According to survey respondents, pets play a crucial role in their lives. They offer companionship, emotional support, increased social interaction and a sense of security and purpose – all of which can be otherwise challenging for those doing it tough.

“Many families facing food insecurity struggle to provide proper nutrition for themselves, let alone their pets, which can lead to significant health and wellbeing consequences for pet owners as well as their pets,” said Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey.

We have heard previously that parents skip meals in order to ensure their children can eat, but we are now hearing this sacrifice extends to the welfare of pets, who are very much-loved family members.”

Commenting on the report findings, General Manager of Mars Petcare Australia, Craig Sargeant said, “We know the valuable role pets play in Australian households, particularly households in need, and we are proud to support Foodbank in highlighting the struggle that pet parents in food insecure households are facing. This includes continuing our donation program with Foodbank focused on keeping pets healthy and remaining in loving homes.

In 2023, Foodbank provided over 430,000 kilograms of pet food, valued at over $6 million, thanks to food industry partners such as Mars Petcare, yet the research reveals that only 9% of pet owners from food insecure households are aware that pet food is available as a part of food relief services.

“This figure is staggering and shouldn’t be happening. We want people to know if they are doing it tough, if they have pets, we can help them and their pets. Head to the Find Food button on our website to find a service near you that can assist,” said Ms Casey.

As part of Mars Petcare Australia’s ongoing support of Foodbank Australia to assist Australians experiencing food insecurity, Mars Petcare Associates will be donating their time on National Pet Day to make essential pet food hampers including Pedigree, Greenies, Whiskas and My Dog.

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Financial Food & Grocery Transport

A tax incentive to ensure food ends up in bellies, not bins…

while also protecting our environment.

What is the issue?

Australia currently wastes more than 7.6 million tonnes of food each year, costing the economy over $36.6 billion. 70% of this food is perfectly edible.

Despite this, Australia’s current tax framework does not support the food industry to donate surplus stock to food relief – in fact, it treats this the same as sending it to landfill. This needs to be changed.

Independent modelling shows that this incentive would potentially save the equivalent of an additional 100 million meals a year and could assist in halving overall food waste by 2030.

Similar incentives are already effective in countries such as the United States, Canada and France.

What is proposed?

In July 2024, Western Australian Senator Dean Smith introduced the Tax Laws Amendment (Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations) Bill 2024 in the Senate. This Bill proposes amendments to Australia’s tax laws to incentivise small and medium-sized food producers, such as farmers and growers, to donate surplus fresh food to registered food charities.

The proposed tax incentive would provide a cashback or tax credit for businesses based on the costs incurred in donating food.

Small businesses (<$20m turnover): Cashback incentives for food donation costs.
Medium businesses ($20m–$50m turnover): above what’s available to a company for disposal of the stock.

It would only be a proportion of the costs incurred but will tip the scales when businesses are considering whether to donate or dump.

How would it work?

Example of how the incentive would work for a small enterprise is:

A farmer operating a business with a turnover of less than $20 million has 500kg of zucchinis that cost $1.50 per kg to grow and harvest but they are in excess of customer demand due to a better-than-expected growing season. Instead of dumping the zucchinis, the farmer engages a local transport company at a cost of $250 to deliver the zucchinis to a food relief organisation. The total cost to the farmer of $1,000 would enable him to receive an additional tax refund of $200.

Where to from here?

In November, the same week that two government reports were handed down, both recommending the adoption of the food donation tax incentive as a targeted non-inflationary measure to address cost of living pressures, the Senate economics committee has rejected the Bill that would have brought the incentive to life.

We are asking for businesses to sign the letter of support linked here. To stay up to date about the progress of the proposal and information on what you can do to support it, please fill out the form below.

Help us create meaningful change

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Stay up to date

Sign up using the form below to receive updates on the progress of the proposal and information on what you can do to support it

Spread the word

Join us in driving meaningful change by raising your voice in support of this tax incentive. We’ve prepared key messages to help you get started—download them today and make an impact!

Background

Watch a short video on the incentive

Click here

Read the feasibility study

Click here

See Federal MPs’ call for the incentive to be introduced

Click here

Do you have a question?

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What happens when Interest Rates goes up?

Food waste in Australia

Foodbank Hunger Report 2024

16 February 2024 – Today, Foodbank Australia revealed it sourced a record 51 million kilograms of food and groceries in 2023, the equivalent of 92 million meals, as the cost-of-living crisis pushed demand for food relief to record highs across the country.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2023 confirmed food insecurity was experienced in 3.7 million households last year, more than all the households in Sydney and Melbourne combined. This is an increase of 383,000 households from the same time in 2022 and meant that Foodbanks across the country had to source more food and grocery items than ever before.

The main driver of food insecurity is the cost-of-living crisis, causing more Australians to be anxious about putting food on the table with 77 percent of food insecure households experiencing it for the first time in the past year.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey explains that food insecurity is now affecting more Australians than ever before.

“It’s touching groups previously unaffected: young professionals and mid to high-income earners are among those being forced to make sacrifices at the dinner table.

“In any other industry, reaching a volume milestone is cause for celebration. At Foodbank, needing to source 92 million meals is a deeply concerning signal of extreme hardship across our communities, and proof positive of the need for the Federal Government to deliver immediate and significant cost of living relief, including improved funding for the food relief sector to respond to ever-growing demand for food relief in communities we’ve never seen it before.”

Partnering for purpose

Whilst the worsening state of food insecurity in Australia paints a dire picture, it is the generosity and commitment of the Australian food and grocery industry, as well as corporate Australia, that allows Foodbank to support those in need at such an incredible scale.

“We couldn’t do what we do best at Foodbank without the generosity and ingenuity of our partners across the agriculture, production, manufacturing and transportations industries,” said Ms Casey.

Donations of ambient, chilled, fresh food and private label products and personal and household care items are all welcome. By redistributing otherwise wasted products—they may be out of specification, close to expiry, deleted product, surplus or damaged—Foodbank is able feed Australians that would otherwise go without.

Foodbank works with farmers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers who donate food and grocery items and redirect surplus stock so that they can be distributed through Foodbank’s charity network and outlets to those who need it most.

The national food relief sector’s pre-budget submission, which calls for a significant increase in investment for food relief, can be found here.

Join the Cause

Food Relief sector calls for urgent action on funding

Wednesday 24 January, 2024

Ahead of the Prime Minister’s caucus meeting on the cost-of-living crisis, Australia’s food relief sector has called for an urgent and dramatic increase in Federal funding to help respond to unprecedented levels of demand for food relief.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2023 highlighted that the cost of living is crippling households across the country and there is compelling evidence that the situation has deteriorated in recent months. Despite this, base funding for Foodbank Australia, SecondBite and OzHarvest remains at an embarrassingly low $1.3m per year – combined.

Brianna Casey, CEO of Foodbank Australia, says,

“The Prime Minister is committed to introducing cost of living relief. One of the most obvious solutions that would provide immediate relief to those already struggling would be to bolster support for the food relief sector. This would be a targeted and sensible investment capable of ensuring fresh fruit and vegetables, protein and pantry staples are available to community members most affected by the current crisis.”

Daniel Moorfield, CEO of SecondBite echoed this saying:

“While we are dealing with a cost-of-living crisis that knows no bounds, we’re also preparing for and responding to flash flooding, yet another cyclone record temperatures sweeping in from the west. There is only so much we can do without more meaningful support from the Federal Government.”

According to Ronni Kahn AO, CEO and Founder of OzHarvest:

“Despite more people than ever before needing food relief due to the unrelenting strain on household budgets, the level of funding for the national food relief sector remains woefully inadequate. We are seeing unprecedented demand with long queues every day at our free supermarket, and many of the charities we support say they could take double the amount of food. Government action is long overdue.”

Through its pre-budget submission, the food relief sector has made the case for $50m per annum to be provided to the three organisations to help meet community need for food relief. This comprises $10m for additional capacity, $20m from each round of the Disaster Ready Fund and $20m for emergency food relief following a crisis or natural disaster.

Food Relief CEOs. Brianna Casey Foodbank Australia. Daniel Moorfield SecondBite. Ronni Kahn OzHarvest

What happens when the Interest Rate goes up?

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2023, revealed 35 percent of all mortgage holders and half of all renters experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months.

On the first Tuesday of every month, like many Australians across the country, we at Foodbank wait bated breath to see if the Reserve Bank of Australia will increase the Cash Rate or not. Why? Every time the decision is made to increase the Cash Rate, we see an increase in the number of people searching for food relief. This isn’t coincidence. It’s cause and effect.

Foodbank ‘Find Food’ Searched Against Cash Rate

With every Cash Rate or interest rate rise, we know the number of clicks on our Find Food button goes up.

The Find Food button takes you to Food Relief providers in your local community. It is often the first step for many who are struggling to put food on the table.

We have been tracking the hits to this very vital button against the monthly Cash Rate announcements since August 2022, and it’s plain to see there is a scary correlation of Australians sourcing food relief when that rate rise is announced.

Food is the pressure valve for many household budgets. It is often the first item people cut back on when trying to make ends meet, with 94 percent of those hurting coped through shifting spend on food and groceries.

If you or someone you know needs food relief, please don’t delay and hit that Find Food button.

Do you need help?

Young, employed, high earners going hungry

Monday 23^rd October, 3.7 million households went hungry in Australia in the past year, according to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2023, released today. That’s more than all the households in Sydney and Melbourne combined.

Foodbank Australia says the research highlights one glaringly obvious cause why 36 percent of Australian households are experiencing food insecurity: the cost-of-living crisis.

Food insecurity is now being experienced in homes it has never touched before, with 77 percent of food insecure households experiencing it for the first time in the past year.

The report confirms the face of hunger is changing. More than half of food insecure households have someone in paid work (60 percent), and those experiencing food insecurity for the first time are younger, with mid to higher incomes.

The research highlights what Foodbank sees first-hand every day; food is the pressure valve for the many households doing it tough. It is the most likely item to be sacrificed to make ends meet. Almost all (94 percent) of food insecure households tried to mitigate the cost-of-living pressures by reducing their spend on food and grocery items. Tactics included looking for sales and discounts or cheaper alternative and reducing eating out. In a move that may have future public health consequences, nearly half said they reduced their purchasing of fresh produce and protein.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey, says the cost of the most basic of rights – food and shelter, is now the most common cause of food insecurity in Australia.

“We have an increasing number of people struggling to secure adequate food and the housing crisis is only exacerbating the problem, with half of all renters and a third of all mortgage holders food insecure in the last 12 months.

“We are fast heading towards a reality where more than half the population will know what food insecurity is because they are experiencing it themselves. Almost one in two Australians have felt anxious about accessing adequate food or struggled to consistently access it. In a country where we produce enough food to feed our population three times over, this should not be happening.”

This week is Anti-Poverty Week and the food relief charity is advocating the Federal Government to use the Foodbank Hunger Report 2023 as a reference point in future policy settings underpinning poverty and inequality and to ensure the food relief sector is adequately resourced to respond to current and future levels of demand across Australia.

Foodbank Hunger Report 2023

Low-income households at breaking point and routinely skipping meals

Tuesday 15 October: Low-income households are enduring the highest rates of food insecurity since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis, according to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2024, released today.

Single parent households are the hardest hit with over two-thirds (69%) facing food insecurity and 41% of these also experiencing the severest form.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM is extremely concerned with the latest findings.

Foodbank Hunger Report 2024

Historic reform a step towards feeding hungry Australians

For more information about the National Food Donation Tax Incentive with the full proposal and communications resources, click here.

New Legislation to Encourage Food Donations

Inspiration from the National Food Donation Tax Incentive

Foodbank Australia CEO Highlights Urgency

Support from OzHarvest and SecondBite

Bill to Be Introduced in Senate

More like this

Food Waste in Australia

Collaborative Supply Program

Foodbank Hunger Report 2023

Struggling Aussies requesting period care products

15 July 2024, Sydney: The inability to afford period products has hidden and severe consequences including missing school or work or using unhygienic items such as socks, newspapers and rags as replacements, potentially leading to medical issues.

Get involved

Make a Donation

Fundraise

Partner with us

Historic reform a step towards feeding more hungry Australians

For more information about the National Food Donation Tax Incentive with the full proposal and communications resources, click here.

New Bill to Encourage Food Donations

Inspiration from the National Food Donation Tax Incentive

Foodbank Australia CEO Highlights Urgency

Support from OzHarvest and SecondBite

Bill Tabled in Senate

More like this

Food Waste in Australia

Collaborative Supply Program

Foodbank Hunger Report 2024

Struggling Australians go hungry to feed their pets

Want to know more?

Get involved

Make a Donation

Fundraise

Partner with us

A tax incentive to ensure food ends up in bellies, not bins…

while also protecting our environment.

What is the issue?

What is proposed?

How would it work?

Where to from here?

Help us create meaningful change

Sign the letter of support today Click here

Stay up to date

Spread the word

Background

Watch a short video on the incentive

Read the feasibility study

See Federal MPs’ call for the incentive to be introduced

Do you have a question?

More like this

What happens when Interest Rates goes up?

Food waste in Australia

Foodbank Hunger Report 2024

Foodbank sources record volume of food and groceries in 2023

Partnering for purpose

Join the Cause

Food Relief sector calls for urgent action on funding

What happens when the Interest Rate goes up?

Foodbank ‘Find Food’ Searched Against Cash Rate

Do you need help?

Young, employed, high earners going hungry

Foodbank Hunger Report 2023

Sign the letter of support today