As the first rays of sunlight hit the streets, a colourful van becomes the focal point for the growing crowd. The van belongs to Turbans 4 Australia, a charity that’s become a vital support system for struggling Australians.
But for founder Amar Singh, the sight of the ever-lengthening queue is a stark reminder of the hidden hardship gripping the nation.
Mr Singh, who has been distributing food and essential supplies, ‘regardless of race, religion or ethnicity’ for nearly a decade, says the demand for help has never been higher. ‘The demand due to cost-of-living is going up every day,’ he says. ‘It’s absolutely horrible seeing what average people are suffering.’
During the COVID-19 pandemic, food charities like Turbans 4 Australia saw a surge in demand. Back then, government support and community donations helped keep up with the need.
But as lockdowns ended and the headlines faded, so too did much of the funding. The cost-of-living crisis, however, has only intensified.
‘We’re seeing people from all walks of life—young, old, families, people working full-time or part-time—lining up for help,’ Mr Singh says. ‘It’s not just the homeless or the elderly. It’s right across the board.’
Perhaps the most sobering aspect of this crisis is that many of those seeking help are employed. ‘Most of the people we see are working full-time or part-time. These are people struggling to make ends meet,’ Mr Singh explains. Rising costs for groceries, fuel, utilities and mortgages are outpacing wages, leaving even the employed unable to afford basic necessities.
It’s not just those in the queue who are suffering. The volunteers at Turbans 4 Australia, many of whom are part of the Sikh community in Sydney and Melbourne, are feeling the strain too. ‘There’s a lot of trauma for our side,’ Mr Singh admits. ‘To see kids suffering and young families… it’s horrible. Nobody wants to be in this place.’
Despite the hardship, there are moments of hope. Many recipients, grateful for the support, offer to help out before collecting their hampers. ‘They’re like, ‘Hey, I normally don’t ask for a handout but you have been really kind to us, can I give you a hand before I pick up a hamper?’ Mr Singh shares.
Mr Singh is clear: the answer isn’t just more funding for charities, but real action to address the root causes of the crisis. ‘Throwing more funds to offset the inflation would not do much to help,’ he says. ‘It’s about driving down the cost of groceries, fuel, utilities and mortgages. That’s going to help people.’
He’s calling on the government to do more to ease the burden on everyday Australians, warning that the current approach simply isn’t enough.
Turbans 4 Australia hands out free hampers worth $80-$100 every Sunday at their Clyde headquarters in Western Sydney, filled with both non-perishable and perishable food. The charity is also working to expand its services to Perth and Adelaide, but resources are stretched thin.
Food insecurity is no longer a problem faced only by the homeless or the unemployed. According to a 2024 Food Bank report, a staggering 34 per cent of Victorian households are now experiencing food insecurity.
More than half of those affected are skipping meals, and some are going entire days without eating. And it’s not just Victoria—this is a national issue, with similar stories emerging from every corner of Australia.
As the situation continues to evolve, many are left wondering about the future and the solutions that can alleviate the growing strain on Australian households. It’s clear that the challenges are multifaceted, and the road ahead may be long.
What do you think should be done to address the rising demand for support like that provided by Turbans 4 Australia? How can the government and communities work together to ensure no one goes without? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
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In answer to the article “More Australians turning to food relief” I agree with Amar Singh, more needs to done by the Government to drive prices down. I, myself, am on the Age pension, and power costs and private health insurance are getting to the point where I may need to give both. The Australian Government needs to stop sending money overseas to help other countries in the same situation as us. You fix your problems at home first before you spend elsewhere.
Looking forward to power cuts, as people voted for no nuclear and renewables only, and Victoria had had a ban on new gas exploration for over a decade – that’ll save on energy bills at least.