Easter is traditionally a time for families and individuals to come together, sharing meals and creating happy memories. 

Yet for many in our community, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has made this increasingly difficult. 

What should be a season of celebration instead became a time of financial strain and tough choices.

On this single day, a total of 29,156 kilograms of food was distributed across our network to meet the overwhelming demand. At our Perth branch alone, 16 pallets of chicken went out the door. To create a visual of that – the school fruit van, pictured, can transport two pallets of chicken at a time so that would mean we would need to do eight trips to transport 16 pallets. This surge in demand saw remaining stock critically low and in urgent need of replenishment. This Easter surge is part of a broader and deeply concerning pattern. Demand for food relief has been rising steadily throughout February and March, with six days recording more than 1,000 customers seeking support.

Recent interest rate increases by the Reserve Bank of Australia have further stretched household budgets, while rents continue to climb and fuel prices remain unstable at best. For many households, there is simply no longer any financial buffer.

These numbers tell a powerful story – one that highlights the growing pressure facing individuals and families across our community, and the vital importance of ensuring food support remains available for those who need it most.

The State Government’s $500,000 donation is therefore critical.

It is enabling us to absorb some of these rising costs, continue working with third‑party logistics providers, and maintain delivery services to the communities who rely on us. Without this support, the impact of fuel cost increases would be felt far more quickly and severely across our operations. 

The ongoing cost‑of‑living crisis, driven largely by increasing fuel prices and interest rates, is having a real and visible impact on the communities we support. Through anecdotal feedback, some clients have told us they expect to reduce the frequency of their visits simply because they can no longer afford the cost of travel to our branches or Mobile Foodbank locations. 

At the same time, we recognise that many of our food donors are facing similar pressures, often on a much larger scale. 

For organisations like Foodbank WA, rising fuel prices are rippling through every part of the supply chain. Fuel is a critical component of the logistics network that underpins food rescue and distribution. From collecting surplus food to delivering essential groceries to charity partners across the state, transport sits at the heart of what we do. 

As fuel costs rise, so too does the cost of keeping this network moving. Recently, approximately 15% of our third‑party logistics providers have issued notices of increases to their fuel levies, ranging from 20% to as high as 50%. We have also received advice from other suppliers across the logistics chain that fuel levies could increase by around 50% if current conditions persist. While not all providers have announced changes, there is growing concern that further increases may follow. 

These cost pressures have a direct and compounding impact. Increased transport costs reduce the funds available to expand services, support additional communities, or invest in infrastructure. Over time, sustained increases may place pressure on delivery schedules, routes, and overall distribution capacity - particularly into regional and remote areas where distances are vast and alternatives limited. 

Higher fuel and operating costs can also affect donation patterns. Farmers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are navigating their own increased transport and production expenses, which can reduce surplus availability or make participation in food rescue programs more challenging - especially for fresh fruit and vegetables, which are highly time‑ and cost‑sensitive. 

We want our food donors to know that we recognise the pressures they are facing and understand the challenges they are navigating. If fuel costs, logistics, or changing circumstances are creating barriers, we encourage donors to reach out as early as possible. Early conversations give us the best opportunity to work together on solutions, whether that means adjusting collection methods, exploring alternative transport options, or finding ways to ease the burden. 

Our shared goal remains the same: ensuring communities continue to have access to fresh fruit and vegetables and essential food. 

Despite the pressures across the system, we remain committed to supporting our charity partners and the people they serve. Now more than ever, collaboration is critical. Through open communication, in‑kind support, financial contributions, and advocacy – supported by vital government investment - we can navigate these challenges together and sustain food relief across Western Australia. 

As fuel costs continue to evolve, we will closely monitor their impact and adapt where possible, while staying firmly focused on our core mission: delivering food and hope to Western Australians facing hardship.