Food Security Strategy Crucial for Australia’s Hunger Problem

4 March 2025, Sydney: Foodbank Australia has welcomed today’s commitment that a re-elected Labor Government will develop a new, National Food Security Strategy.

Foodbank has been calling for a bipartisan, whole-of-government approach to food security for almost a decade, recognising the importance of a forward-looking strategy to underpin the efforts of the public, private and non-profit sectors on this issue.

“Every Australian should have reliable access to healthy, culturally appropriate food, but this is not the case for more than 3 millionhouseholds across the country”, Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM said today.

“With a cyclone barrelling towards South-East Queensland, heatwaves across much of northern Australia and fires still burning in Victoria and Tasmania, the resilience of our food systems is being continually tested,” Ms Casey said. “Whether triggered by natural disasters, geopolitical instability or workforce issues, supply chain disruption is now the norm, and the impacts are only adding to the strain on household budgets”.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2024 revealed that food insecurity is no longer just a low-income household problem. One in 5 median income households is now experiencing food insecurity, with 10% of these median income households severely food insecure, meaning they are skipping meals and even going entire days without eating to ensure they can keep a roof over their heads.

“Foodbank is already sourcing 252,000 meals a day and supporting more than a million people a month, but despite our best efforts, we simply cannot keep up with the demand for food relief across Australia,” Ms Casey said.

“The cost-of-living crisis not only drives up demand for food relief, with more and more households struggling with the increased costs of food, housing and utilities, but also impacts Foodbank’s supply,” Ms Casey explained. “The cost of sourcing, storing and transporting essential food relief is increasing by the day and simply cannot be sustained at current funding levels.”

“We have called for strong leadership on food security, with strong policies backed by meaningful investment” Ms Casey said. “A National Food Security Strategy is a crucial first step towards securing food security for every Australian, no matter their circumstances and a positive sign of things to come”.

Learn how we’re ending hunger and create change every day, with the help of our incredible partners.

We source and distribute meals nationwide—supporting charities, schools and communities in need.

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Pressure growing for Federal Government to adopt targeted cost of living relief

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This is more than just toilet paper

We’re helping end hunger

With every pack of Foodbank Toilet Paper, you’re doing more than stocking your home with an essential. You’re helping provide meals for people in need. 

Together with our partner Encore Tissue, the makers of this product, we’re on a mission to provide 1 million meals by 2026.

Together, we’ve raised…

Goal: 1000000 meals
250,000
500,000
750,000
95771 meals !

Why your choice matters

3.5 million households across Australia are experiencing food insecurity. This means they are often skipping meals, reducing portion sizes or even going entire days without eating. 

Foodbank Hunger Report

Foodbank across Australia

51M

kg of food and groceries sourced

92M

Equivalent meals sourced

2966

Charities Supported

3649

School Feeding Programs Supported

$1.8B

Social Return On Investment (SROI)

Thank you to our incredible partner, Encore Tissue, for making this possible.

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Duncan Makeig elected new Foodbank Australia Chair

22nd November 2024, SYDNEY:

Former Managing Director of Lion Asia Dairy, Duncan Makeig has been elected unopposed as Foodbank Australia Chair of the Board, succeeding outgoing Independent Chair, Tony Froggatt following his nine years of service.

Having served on the Foodbank Australia Board since the start of 2023, Mr Makeig brings a wealth of experience in legal and corporate governance from his 30-year management career working across various senior leadership positions in Australia and the United States at Heineken-Lion, PepsiCo, China Road and Tricon Restaurants (Yum! Brands), complementing his agricultural experience as Director of Wirrabilla Pastoral.

Duncan is equipped with a deep understanding of the not-for-profit sector having previously chaired the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation and Curing Homesickness Ltd, and is currently serving as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Endeavour Board.

“Having sat on the Foodbank Australia Board for the last 18 months, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary impact that Foodbanks have across Australia”, Mr Makeig said.

“I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members and the Foodbank Australia team, led by CEO, Brianna Casey as we look to build on Tony’s legacy and meet the ever-growing demand for food relief in city and country communities across Australia.”

“Having sat on the Foodbank Australia Board for the last 18 months, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary impact that Foodbanks have across Australia”, Mr Makeig said.

“I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members and the Foodbank Australia team, led by CEO, Brianna Casey as we look to build on Tony’s legacy and meet the ever-growing demand for food relief in city and country communities across Australia.”

Outgoing Chair, Tony Froggatt, leaves the role after a successful nine years, helping build awareness of and trust in Foodbank while fostering closer collaboration between members of the food relief sector over the course of his tenure.

This relationship has allowed the sector to promote policies that prioritise the millions of Australians going hungry, notably the ongoing push for a National Food Donation Tax Incentive.

Since joining in 2015, Mr Froggatt has guided the Foodbank team through natural disasters, the Covid Pandemic, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

“It has been a privilege to serve as the Foodbank Australia Chair. I have enjoyed the experience, and it has given me such purpose to work alongside my colleagues on the board to make a difference to the lives of so many Australians. I wish Duncan well in this next chapter of Foodbank’s ongoing commitment to helping those in need”, said Mr Froggatt.

With 3.4 million Australian households experiencing food insecurity, Mr Makeig takes the reins as the cost-of-living crisis continues to heavily impact the lives of vulnerable communities.

His extensive leadership experience and charity sector background inspires confidence that he will oversee Foodbank’s next chapter with stability amongst an increasingly unpredictable social and economic climate.

Commenting on the Chair transition, Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM, said, “Tony’s leadership over the past decade has left a legacy on the food relief sector in this country. His commitment to supporting those in need has ensured we have been able to grow to where we are today, establishing strong foundations for Duncan to build on as we strive for an Australia without hunger.”

Learn how we’re ending hunger and create change every day, with the help of our incredible partners.

We source and distribute meals nationwide—supporting charities, schools and communities in need.

Farmers and growers Manufacturers and their suppliers Wholesalers and retailers

Charity partners

Schools

Transport services

Natural disaster relief

Collaborative Supply Program

(i.e. generating or supplementing food supply efforts)

Nutrition

Reducing food waste

Advocacy

Research and reports

Get involved

Funds Food Services, transport and operations Workplace Giving
Fundraise for us Hold a food drive Workplace Fundraising
Financial Food & Grocery Transport

Pressure growing for Federal Government to adopt targeted cost of living relief

Monday 18 November 2024: Foodbank Australia insists the federal government can no longer ignore the mounting pressure to adopt an incentive for farmers and small to medium businesses that has the potential to halve food waste by 2030 and provide the equivalent of 100 million nutritious meals every year to food relief organisations, something that is vital in this current cost of living crisis.

Tax Incentive Bill could help to halve food waste by 2030

The Tax Laws Amendment (Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations) Bill 2024, introduced by WA Senator Dean Smith, aims to incentivise small to medium food producers, such as farmers and growers, to donate excess fresh fruit and vegetable to charitable organisations like Foodbank, critical in meeting the rising demand of those accessing food relief in Australia.

In 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.

Foodbank Australia believes that ignoring the advice of industry experts, ultimately fails our agriculture sector and the many Australians struggling to put food on the table despite growing evidence and overwhelming support for the incentive.

Foodbank CEO: Rejection a blow to farmers and families in need

According to Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM, the rejection of the bill is a blow to the food relief organisation’s efforts to provide consistent, nutritious food relief to millions of people experiencing food insecurity.

“At a time when 3.4 million Australian households are struggling to put food on the table, this decision is not just perplexing but disheartening for hardworking farmers and growers who desperately want to do more to help get food on the tables for those doing it tough.

“The Federal Government has the opportunity to make a positive difference and to act on the numerous recommendations coming from the Senate, House of Representatives and Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales state governments, all calling for this smart policy to be adopted. We urge the federal government to adopt the tax incentive which would deliver an immediate increase in healthy food to struggling families weeks out from Christmas,” Casey said.

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This year, 3.4 million households in Australia struggled to put food on the table.Aug Geo Web Image

Foodbank packing vegies

 

Feeding people in need throughout Australia isn’t something we can do alone.

As Australia’s largest food relief organisation, we deliver over 92 million meals to those in need. Yet, despite our best efforts, too many people are still going hungry.

Help feed hungry families in Australia this Christmas.

You can make a difference and show your support by donating below.

For every $1 donated, 2 meals are created!

Let’s feed change!

 

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for Foodbank

This year, 3.4 million households in Australia struggled to put food on the table.GoTransit and Foodbank Logos

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83709 Foodbank Portrait Kerb Sunshine Coast (8)

 

 

 

Feeding people in need throughout Australia isn’t something we can do alone.

As Australia’s largest food relief organisation, we deliver over 92 million meals to those in need. Yet, despite our best efforts, too many people are still going hungry.

GoTransit Media Group has been working with Foodbank to support and help promote awareness with on road campaigns throughout the year. This Christmas GoTransit are donating 20 meals for every booking made from 4 Nov – 13 Dec, 2024.

Help feed hungry families in Australia this Christmas.

You can make a difference too and show your support by donating here.

For every $1 donated, 2 meals are created!

Let’s feed change!

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

Read now

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.

 

Food donation tax incentive

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.

 

Hands holding fresh tomatoes

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.

 

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM talking on Nine News

 

Oz Harvest, SecondBite, Foodbank, Senator Dean Smith holding boxes of fruit and vegetables

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.

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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.

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.”

Get involved

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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.

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.

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, 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.”

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.”

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.

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