Everyone deserves dignity

Week of Care

From July 14 to 20, we’re shining a light on the everyday essentials many of us take for granted, and the difference they make for people doing it tough.

Did you know that 3.4 million households across Australia are facing food insecurity, with more than half experiencing the most severe level of hardship? That means regularly skipping meals, reducing portion sizes, or even going entire days without food. 

And when money is tight, we know that household and personal care items are often the first to go.

Things like toothbrushes and toothpaste, period products, makeup, moisturiser, nappies and baby wipes shouldn’t be a luxury — they’re basic essentials. For someone who has lost everything in a fire or flood, or is escaping domestic violence, these everyday items can make all the difference in helping them feel clean, cared for and ready to face the day.

That’s what Week of Care is all about — raising awareness of the growing need for personal and household care items, and the real impact they have on people’s lives.

 

Young people getting groceries from car

The need is real and getting bigger

  • In 2024, the demand for personal care items like toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant rose to 48%, up 9% from 2022.
  • Requests for household cleaning products also grew to 47%.
  • And the need for period care remains high at 26%.
  • For families with children, the struggle is even greater. More than half (51%) of food insecure households with kids asked for personal care or cleaning items this year.

 

The toiletries that are available mean I can treat myself to something that I would not have the financial means to do so at this time and knowing the fact these items are donated makes it even more special.”

What was donated to Foodbank last year

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our partners, more than 1.88 million kilograms of non-food essentials were donated to Foodbank last year. That’s a huge volume of everyday items. All sorted, packed and delivered to people doing it tough right across the country 💜

We’ve highlighted some items we love below.

 

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Period Care

We hear stories of people rationing pads or using socks or toilet paper to get by...

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For some, that idea seems unimaginable, yet it’s a harsh reality with severe and hidden consequences that many people across the country face.

Period care is a necessity. It helps protect dignity, health and confidence — no one should feel ashamed because they can’t afford it.

By making access easier, we can help people feel seen, supported and ready to keep going.

“It’s just been a lifesaver to come to a place like this. I just appreciate it so much, it’s been a saviour… I am a strong woman and against all odds, I am always going to find a way to keep going.”


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Baby Care

Every baby deserves to be clean, comfortable and cared for so they can thrive...

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Items like nappies and baby wash are essential for families doing it tough. These products support a child’s health and give parents peace of mind.

For parents like Melonie*, having access to baby care essentials brings both relief and dignity.

“I’m a single mother on disability having epilepsy. Foodbank means a lot to me and my family. It means we can eat quality food and have baby supplies etc.”

 


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Makeup

You might not expect us to provide makeup. But for many, it’s more than just appearance...

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Makeup supports self-care, confidence and a sense of normalcy. For some women, it helps conceal DV bruises or feel ready for work.

Access to makeup can offer comfort, control and dignity in tough times.

“I have a young son and a mortgage. I was getting bills and debt faster than I could pay. But thanks to Foodbank I was able to feed myself and my son nutritious food with all the staples plus treats and toiletries.”

 


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Oral Care

Taking care of oral health is crucial for overall well-being, from confidence to the ability to eat comfortably....

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Many of us understand the pain of oral issues and the expense of dental visits, which is why oral care is a daily priority.

Unfortunately, for individuals and families like Keith* who struggle to afford food, access to essential grocery items like toothbrushes and toothpaste can be limited.

“The toiletries that are available mean I can treat myself to something that I would not have the financial means to do so at this time and knowing the fact these items are donated makes it even more special.”


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Household Cleaning

While cleaning the house or washing dishes may seem like mundane tasks, they are the building blocks of a happy home...

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They are the first lessons we teach our children, often accompanied by memories of soap suds fights with siblings or lively post-dinner chats. Clean spaces not only promote physical wellbeing but also contribute to our mental and emotional health, making them more than just chores.

“Some weeks I don’t have much or sometimes nothing at all to eat or can’t afford cleaning products or self cleansing products. But I can get most general products from Foodbank.”

 


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Hair Care

We can all agree how good it feels to have freshly washed hair...

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But for many Aussies, essentials like shampoo and conditioner are out of reach. These products are about more than hygiene — they help restore dignity, confidence and a sense of normal.

This matters even more when there are children in the household.

“I could not afford many items on my shopping list. Meat, fruit and vegetables were always a concern, carefully budgeted. Biscuits and treats were rare as well as many personal items. To discover Foodbank locally is such truly a Godsend. I have never been so content and eaten so well, a big thank you.”


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Toilet Paper

Imagine the worry of not knowing if you can find toilet paper...

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For many of us, it was a brief experience during the panic buying of the pandemic. But for people struggling right now, this can be a daily stress: “Can I afford toilet paper this week?”

“Trying to maintain a house on just a disability pension is difficult and with rising costs, it’s made life just a little bit easier having Foodbank as a backup to get the essentials.”

 


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Skin Care

When budgets are tight, self-care products often get cut from the shopping list....

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Moisturisers, cleansers, and other products are not luxuries—they are essential for many men, women, teenagers, and children facing tough times. Everyone deserves healthy skin. It impacts confidence and can significantly affect those already struggling to pay the bills. That’s why we partner with companies to ensure a regular supply of products for our charities to offer their communities.

“I am a pensioner and renting. I have little left out of my pension for food and personal things. I am so glad I found out about Foodbank. It has helped me so much and I thank you very much.”


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THANK YOU

In times of natural disaster, emergency, or just everyday hardship, our personal and household care partners are always ready to lend a hand.

We are so grateful for their ongoing support in helping make sure Australians everywhere have access to the essentials they need.

Below are our incredible national donors.
Local, state and territory donors not pictured — but equally valued.

Mum and three children being handed a Foodbank hamper by a Foodbank staff member