Parents pushed to extremes as costs rise—mum’s confession speaks volumes

As the cost of living continues to climb, many Australians are finding themselves in situations they never imagined. 

For some, the struggle to put food on the table has become so dire that desperate measures are now part of daily life. 

One mum’s recent confession has shone a light on just how tough things have become for ordinary families.

A single mother of four, she bravely admitted to shoplifting essentials from supermarkets every fortnight—not out of malice or greed, but as a last resort to ensure her children don’t go to bed hungry. 

‘It’s scary,’ she said, describing the anxiety and guilt that comes with each act. ‘I feel guilt, but then at the same time, I don’t because it’s my children. I’ll do anything for my children. No parent wants to hear your kid be like, ‘I’m still hungry’ after dinner.’ 

Her story is not unique. Across Australia, thefts from supermarkets and other retailers have surged, with South Australia alone seeing a 30 per cent increase in reported thefts last year. 

While some of this is attributed to organised crime, authorities say a growing number of ‘mum and dad shoppers’ are being caught out—everyday people pushed to the brink by rising prices and stagnant wages.

The emotional toll is immense. ‘So many people are just brought to guilt and shame to do the wrong thing when they don’t want to. We can’t do this anymore. We can’t keep living like this,’ the Adelaide mum said, echoing the sentiments of countless others who feel trapped by circumstances beyond their control.

The numbers paint a grim picture. According to new research from the Salvation Army, more than half of those seeking assistance have skipped meals due to financial hardship. 

One in 20 respondents admitted to eating from rubbish bins, and nearly a quarter had consumed expired or spoiled food. 

For families with children, the situation is even more dire: 62 per cent of parents said they had gone without food so their kids could eat, and 43 per cent couldn’t afford basics like formula or nappies.

The stories behind these statistics are heartbreaking. A 30-year-old public servant told the Salvation Army she felt she had ‘failed as a mother’ and considered quitting her job just to save on petrol, parking, and childcare. 

Another parent described drinking water to fill up her stomach and diluting her child’s milk to make it last longer. 

‘I don’t use nappies for the baby because I can’t afford to buy nappies for her. And also, when we wash our clothes, we are not using soap. I can’t afford that,’ she said.

The financial strain doesn’t stop at the supermarket checkout. The Salvation Army found that 43 per cent of people are showering less to save on water and electricity, while others have resorted to turning off lights or using public bathrooms in shopping centres to cut costs. 

These are not isolated cases—they are the reality for a growing number of Australians.

Charities like the Salvation Army are working tirelessly to help, aiming to raise $38 million this year to continue providing vital services. 

But as the need grows, so too does the pressure on these organisations and the communities they serve.

It’s easy to judge from the outside, but when faced with the choice between breaking the law and letting your children go hungry, what would you do? The lines between right and wrong can blur when survival is at stake.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you observed changes in your own community or experienced similar challenges? How do you think Australia can better support families in crisis? What changes would you like to see? Feel free to share your perspective in the comments below.

Also read: Coles’ anti-theft tactic backfires as frustrated shoppers speak out