Food insecurity WA reaches alarming new levels

The findings reveal that almost one in three Western Australian households experienced food insecurity during the past 12 months, equating to an estimated 349,000 households across the state.

Even more alarming is the situation in regional WA, where 40% of households experienced food insecurity and more than one in five faced severe food insecurity, regularly skipping meals or going without food altogether because they could not afford enough to eat. 

While food insecurity has traditionally been associated with society’s most vulnerable groups, this year’s Hunger Report highlights a troubling shift. More and more working families, renters and households who have never previously sought assistance are now finding themselves unable to consistently put food on the table. In fact, 70% of food-insecure households in Western Australia experienced food insecurity for the first time within the last year, illustrating just how quickly financial pressures are affecting people who may never have imagined needing support. 

The report paints a stark picture of the choices many households are being forced to make. 

Rising costs for housing, utilities, fuel, healthcare and everyday essentials are leaving less money available for groceries, placing nutritious food increasingly out of reach. Families are being forced to cut back on food spending as they prioritise rent, mortgages and other non-negotiable household expenses. 

Some groups continue to face particularly high levels of hardship. Households affected by disability or health issues, low-income earners, renters, families with children and young adults aged 18 to 34 were among those most likely to experience food insecurity. These figures demonstrate that the issue is now affecting a broad cross-section of the community and is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. 

The report’s findings around severe food insecurity are especially confronting. Many households reported worrying that food would run out before they could afford more, eating less than they felt they should, and regularly reducing meal sizes or skipping meals altogether. Others reported being hungry but unable to eat because they simply could not afford food, with some adults going an entire day without eating.

Nationally, the Hunger Report found that food insecurity now affects 3.6 million Australian households, an increase of 100,000 households compared to the previous year. 

Cost-of-living pressures remain the overwhelming driver, with the vast majority of food-insecure households identifying rising expenses as a key factor behind their inability to afford enough food. 

The release of this year’s Hunger Report serves as a powerful reminder that food insecurity is no longer a hidden issue affecting only a small segment of society. Behind every statistic is a family, a child, a worker or an older Australian navigating impossible choices and increasing financial pressure. As demand for food relief continues to grow, the findings reinforce the importance of continued investment in food assistance programs and broader action to address the root causes of food insecurity, ensuring all Australians have reliable access to healthy, nutritious food. 

Published on 9 November 2026.