Demand for food relief skyrockets in G21 region

THE Give Where You Live Foundation has released findings from its latest “Food for Thought” research report, detailing an alarming rise in the need for food relief in the G21 region.

Give Where You Live chief executive officer Bill Mithen said the study was revealing.

“This report provides key information to help us understand food insecurity across our region and the true impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on individuals and families,” he said.

The report identifies a significant demographic change in those seeking assistance.

“One of the notable themes emerging from the research is a shift in who is accessing food relief across our community,” Mr Mithen said.

“There has been an increase in working families, residents affected by the cost of living crisis and more individuals experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping.”

Each week, the sector supports 8,751 individuals, distributing 34,293 meals, 2,372 food parcels, and nearly 22,930kg of food.

Major reasons for seeking food aid include living cost pressures (77 per cent), low income (60 per cent), unemployment (60 per cn), receiving government benefits (57 per cent), and reliance on single incomes (57 per cent).

The report also highlighted a volunteer shortage. Despite the ratio of 22 volunteers for every paid employee in the G21 region, 40 per cent of agencies expressed an acute shortage of both staff and volunteers.

Coinciding with the report’s release is the Feed Geelong Appeal’s launch.

“Access to healthy, fresh, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food is one of our most basic human rights,” Mr Mithen said.

“Unfortunately, however, this report highlights that right here in our community, there are many people who are struggling to put food on the table for their family each day.

“Now more than ever, we need the people of Geelong to come together to raise funds for the Feed Geelong Appeal, to help make sure nobody in our community goes hungry.”

To make a donation or get involved, head to feedgeelong.com.au