Queensland children at risk of going hungry this Christmas

New research from Foodbank Queensland reveals two-thirds (64%) of Queensland food relief charities believe they will not have enough food to feed hungry families this Christmas.

Foodbank Queensland CEO, Sara Harrup, said 22% of Queenslanders experiencing hunger are children.

“With so many livelihoods lost to COVID-19, many families throughout Queensland are facing the scary reality of not having enough food to feed their children this Christmas,” Ms Harrup said.

“Christmas is already the busiest time of year for hunger relief, however, Foodbank Queensland is bracing for even higher demand, as food relief charities anticipate a 15% increase in the number of Queenslanders seeking help this Christmas.”

“Foodbank Queensland is working tirelessly to source and provide nutritious food in the lead up to Christmas to support Queenslanders in crisis,” she said.

Today, Leichhardt State School provided Foodbank Queensland food relief hampers to their students to help families in Ipswich experiencing hunger.

Leichhardt State School Principal, Maja Bogicevic, said the school firmly believed in the idea of collective efficacy – the fact that it takes a community to raise a child.

“By engaging with Foodbank Queensland, Leichhardt State School is ensuring our families are able to connect with local community organisations and services,” she said.

With COVID-19 resulting in a year of job losses and income reductions, hungry Queenslanders first started asking about food relief for Christmas as early as April.

Ms Harrup said with the generous support of the community, Foodbank Queensland’s Christmas Appeal will provide essential groceries for Queenslanders struggling to put food on the table at Christmas.

“Every $1 donated to Foodbank Queensland provides two meals to Queenslanders going hungry,” Ms Harrup said.

ENDS

For media enquiries, contact Zoe Templeton,
Marketing and Communications Specialist:

M: 0435 133 601
E: zoe@foodbankqld.org.au