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Housing crisis fuels food insecurity
1 in 3 NSW & ACT households going hungry
Every night, families across NSW and the ACT face an impossible decision: pay for shelter or eat dinner. For many, hunger is becoming a regular part of life.
The hidden link between housing costs and hunger
The housing affordability crisis is no longer just a matter of shelter; it’s now a major driver of food insecurity across NSW and the ACT. According to the newly released Foodbank Hunger Report, a staggering 1 in 3 households in NSW and the ACT have gone hungry in the past year.
Despite targeted cost-of-living relief and early signs of economic recovery, the combination of skyrocketing rents, rising interest rates, and limited housing availability is forcing families to make impossible choices, often sacrificing food to keep a roof over their head.
1.1 million households facing food insecurity
The report reveals that:
- 1.1 million households in NSW and the ACT experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months.
- 682,000 households faced severe food insecurity – skipping meals, compromising nutrition, or going entire days without eating.
“Housing costs are pushing people to the brink,” said John Robertson, CEO of Foodbank NSW & ACT. “When rent goes up or interest rates increase, food is often one of the first things sacrificed. We’re seeing people make impossible choices between paying for housing or putting food on the table.”
John Robertson
CEO of Foodbank NSW & ACT
Hunger doesn’t discriminate: who’s most affected?
The impact of the housing and hunger crisis is widespread, but some groups are hit harder than others:
- 50% of renters and 28% of mortgage holders in NSW and the ACT are food insecure.
- Single-parent families are among the most vulnerable.
- Middle-income earners, including those earning up to $90,000 annually, are increasingly seeking food relief.
- Households with people living with disabilities or health issues are disproportionately affected; two-thirds are food insecure, and half face severe hunger.
Stigma is stopping people from seeking help
Despite the growing need, many people are still reluctant to seek assistance:
- 45% feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for food relief.
- 35% worry others are in greater need.
“There’s still a stigma around asking for help, and that’s heartbreaking,” said Robertson. “Food insecurity doesn’t look one way. It can affect any of us at any time.”
How you can help
As demand for food relief continues to rise, Foodbank NSW & ACT is facing a new challenge: record-low food donations. To meet the growing need, the organisation is now purchasing more food than ever before.
“Every dollar donated allows us to provide two meals to someone in need,” Robertson said. “We urge our communities and partners to stand with us and help ensure no one goes hungry.”
