Food insecurity has impacted 3.4 million Australians in 2024, with 32% of households experiencing moderate to severe food shortages, according to the latest report from Australian food relief organisation Foodbank.
While this marks a slight decrease from 2023 levels, the crisis remains a systemic issue, with around 2 million households facing severe food insecurity.
Many Australians are grappling with difficult choices between basic needs like food, housing, and utilities, as the economic strain becomes a prolonged challenge rather than a temporary setback.
The report highlighted the extent of the problem, with 97% of respondents worried about running out of food and 93% unable to afford balanced meals.
Foodbank’s head, Brianna Casey, emphasized that this is not merely a short-term issue but a persistent crisis for millions.
The situation in Australia mirrors a global food insecurity problem, with the United Nations reporting that 282 million people worldwide faced acute food insecurity in 2023, an increase of 24 million compared to the previous year.