Australia’s hunger problem

Earlier this year, Australia’s largest food relief organisation, Foodbank, commissioned McCrindle to conduct research into the hidden problem of food insecurity in Australia. The Foodbank Hunger Report 2018 reveals that an alarming 4 million Australians have experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months.

The report exposes a growing problem in regional and remote areas where, during the past 12 months, 1.5 million Australians have experienced the uncertainty of not knowing where their next meal will come from. This means people in the country are 33% more likely to experience food insecurity than their city cousins.

The Foodbank Hunger Report 2018, now in its sixth year, surveyed charities and food relief recipients nationwide to determine who accesses assistance, why and how they can be better helped.

“Tackling the big problem of hunger in the country is an urgent issue that can’t be ignored. The startling finding of the report begs the question how much worse the current drought in the eastern states will make the situation, particularly given that the report also shows that vulnerable families in the country find it harder to access food and are more likely to feel embarrassed and unable to talk to friends and family about their situation than their metro counterparts.” – Foodbank CEO Brianna Casey.

Despite Foodbank providing food for over 183,000 meals a day, only 36% of charities believe they are currently meeting the full needs of the people they assist. This is even when only half (52%) of those experiencing food insecurity seek assistance from a charity.

Key facts from the Foodbank Hunger Report 2018:

More than 4 million Australians have experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months
A low income is the most common reason why Australians are unable to afford food
Half of all charities report an increase in the number of people seeking food relief
5 million Australians in regional and remote areas have experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months
Regional and remote Australians are 33% more likely to experience food insecurity than their city cousins.

Download the full Foodbank Hunger Report 2018 and infographic.