The 2025 Foodbank Hunger Report reveals a concerning trend: 20% of Australian households are severely food insecure, an increase of 1% from the previous year. This means that many Australians are skipping meals or going entire days without eating. The situation is particularly dire for those with disabilities, like Darwin resident Leah Potter, who must rely on grocery delivery services due to her injury and pre-existing condition. The cost of these deliveries has risen, forcing her to make difficult choices about her food budget. As the cost of living continues to rise, even small increases can significantly impact individuals' ability to afford groceries. Ms. Potter has had to adopt cost-saving measures, such as eliminating meat from her diet, but these efforts are not enough to keep her expenses within her strict budget. The report also highlights a shift in the demographics of those seeking help at soup kitchens, with an increase in families and individuals who would not typically be expected to visit such places. The Foodbank Darwin manager, Jack Barrett, observes a diverse range of people visiting their local hub, where surplus groceries are available at a fraction of their original price. He notes that food insecurity affects people from various backgrounds, often requiring them to make nutritional compromises to stretch their budgets. The federal government's cost-of-living measures, including energy bill relief and Medicare levies, have not significantly impacted grocery prices, according to the Hunger Report. Foodbank Australia's CEO, Kylea Tink, emphasizes that hunger is now a widespread issue, and the government's efforts have not translated into tangible food security for many Australians. To address this crisis, Foodbank is advocating for a tax incentive to encourage the donation of surplus produce, ensuring that more food is available to those in need.
