In Australia, a silent crisis is unfolding. It may not make the headlines every day, but it deeply affects the lives of tens of thousands.
It’s a crisis that could be closer to home than many of us realise, and it’s time we shed light on this pressing issue.
Recent findings from a leading food rescue organisation have revealed a disturbing trend: approximately 50,000 Australians are turned away from food charities each month.
This staggering number represents a 54 per cent increase from the previous year, where the monthly average was 32,467 individuals. The situation is dire and is referred to as a ‘national emergency hiding in plain sight.’
The data from OzHarvest paints a grim picture of the country’s current food security situation. According to the survey, a significant 31 per cent of those seeking food assistance in 2025 are doing so for the first time.
Families and single parents are the most affected groups, struggling to put food on the table amidst a backdrop of financial hardship.
Ronni Kahn, the founder of OzHarvest, has voiced her concerns, stating, ‘We are in the midst of a national food security crisis.’
The root causes are multifaceted: the rising cost of living, wages that fail to keep pace, and the ever-increasing housing and energy costs are forcing Australians to make the difficult choice between essential needs. Food, tragically, is often what gets sacrificed.
The survey also highlighted that a staggering 77 per cent of charities reported an increase in the number of people needing food last year.
Moreover, 72 per cent of these organisations need more food to meet the growing demand. The states most affected include South Australia, with an 82 per cent surge in demand, followed closely by Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales.
Kahn emphasises the situation’s urgency: ‘Every day we’re out in communities across Australia supporting 1550 charities that are stretched beyond their limits, as the gap between demand and resources keeps widening.’
The waiting list for charities needing food support has grown to 1200, further underscoring the severity of the crisis.
In response to this escalating problem, OzHarvest advocates establishing a Minister for Food position within the government.
This role would coordinate efforts related to food security, waste, and system solutions. The organisation also calls for sustainable and ongoing funding for essential food rescue and relief operations and meaningful interventions to address the cost of living.
Kahn’s message is clear and urgent: ‘The math is heartbreaking. Our sector provides 160 million meals annually, but it’s nowhere near enough.’ She expresses disappointment in the government’s failure to support the most vulnerable.
She emphasises that immediate action is needed to feed people today and implement leadership and policy changes to ensure no one goes hungry in the future.
This crisis transcends political lines; it’s about the lives of everyday Australians. It’s a call to action for all of us to recognise the plight of those around us and to demand change. As community members, we can start by supporting local food charities, raising awareness, and urging our representatives to prioritise food security.
Remember that you are not alone if you or someone you know is among the 50,000 Australians overlooked each month. There are resources and people ready to help. It’s time for us to come together and address this national emergency that’s been hiding in plain sight.
Also read: Cost of living blow: Australian food prices set to rise after severe weather crisis
