Breaking the silence

Poverty is associated with homelessness, being unemployed and poor life choices. The reality couldn’t be further from that description. A cost-of-living crisis that has been ravaging families across our country and indeed our State means that poverty, and in turn food insecurity, can affect anyone and could be your next-door neighbour, a family member or a friend and is certainly not obvious.  It is an issue that remains hidden due to the stigma attached to reaching out for help. 

The poverty line is based on a benchmark income estimated to support the basic needs of an individual or family. If a person’s available income is less than this amount, they are said to be living below the poverty line. According to the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic & Social Research currently, inclusive of housing costs, the poverty line is $994.68 per week for a family of two adults, including one which is working, and two dependent children. 

Our Hunger Report published towards the end of 2024 revealed that more than 2 million households in Australia had run out of food in the last year due to limited finances, with people sometimes skipping meals or going whole days without eating. In Western Australia, that figure sits at an alarming 208,000 households. This has meant that 1.3 million children have gone hungry during that time. In Western Australia that equates to over 116,000 children living in severely food insecure households in the past year. 

More and more people are struggling to maintain a basic standard of living and cannot afford everyday expenses, such as food, petrol, electricity while the battle with their budgets to keep a roof over their heads. 

While reaching out and asking for help can be daunting and confronting, it shouldn’t be. A referral from Foodbank is more often than not a helping hand could mean the difference between paying a power bill, being able to afford medication or even keeping your home. We are a safety net for individuals to lean on when times get tough. 

If you or anyone you know is experiencing food insecurity, don’t struggle in silence and reach out today on 1800 979 777.