Australia is often painted as the land of plenty—a sunburnt country where the biggest worry is whether to have a sausage sizzle or a prawn on the barbie. But for a growing number of Australians, the reality is far more sobering.
The latest research from The Salvation Army has revealed a heartbreaking truth: thousands of vulnerable Australians are being forced to make impossible choices just to get by.
The Salvation Army’s survey of 3,586 people who have sought help from its services paints a stark picture of life on the edge.
These aren’t just statistics—they’re families, single parents, pensioners, and even working Australians who, despite their best efforts, are struggling to keep their heads above water.
One of the most shocking findings? One in 20 respondents admitted to eating food from bins—yes, actual dumpster diving—just to stave off hunger. This confronting image is hard to reconcile with the Australia we know and love.
For families with children, the situation is even more dire. A staggering 62 per cent of parents said they regularly go without food so their kids can eat.
As one 30-year-old working mum shared, ‘I feel like I am failing as a mother. I’m a public servant and still cannot provide. I have considered quitting my job to save on petrol, parking, childcare, etc.’
It’s a sentiment that will resonate with many, especially as the cost of living continues to climb.
Over 40 per cent of those surveyed could not afford essentials like formula, nappies, and even basic medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
For some, the choice is between buying food or medicine—a decision no one should make.
The financial squeeze is so tight that a third of respondents have turned to buy now, pay later services to cover the basics—food, utilities, and medicine.
While these services can offer short-term relief, they often come with long-term consequences, trapping people in a cycle of debt that’s hard to escape.
The survey also revealed the lengths people are going to make ends meet. Nearly half (43 per cent) are showering less to save on water bills, and one in five are living in darkness to cut electricity costs. These are not lifestyle choices—they’re acts of survival.
Major Bruce Harmer from The Salvation Army said, ‘It is truly shocking in a country like Australia that we are seeing these devastating numbers. No one should be forced to eat expired food or to eat out of rubbish bins.’
‘The fact that over one in twenty of those we surveyed said they were eating from dumpsters breaks our heart.’
The Salvation Army is stepping up its efforts with the annual Red Shield Appeal, aiming to raise $38 million to keep its 2,000 services running. These services are a lifeline for those doing it tough, offering everything from food and financial aid to emotional support.
If you’re in a position to help, you can donate through their website, call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), or drop into any Salvos Store. Every little bit counts.
Have you noticed more people in your community struggling to make ends meet? What do you think needs to change to ensure no Australian goes hungry or resorts to desperate measures? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: ‘This is how we know’: Garbage collector reveals surprising way your bins are being tracked
