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Food is a basic human right
At Foodbank WA we believe everyone should have access to healthy food. There are Western Australians going without every day, and we are working hard to change that.
Food is fundamental to human survival and development. It nourishes the body, fuels the mind, and sustains communities. Despite its critical role in life, hunger and food insecurity persist globally.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations more than 70 years ago acknowledges food as a fundamental human right, stating that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and their family, including food.” (article 25).
Sadly, the gap between this ideal and reality remains stark, with over 800 million people worldwide suffering from chronic hunger.
The 2024 Foodbank Hunger report revealed that Australia-wide more than 2 million households are experiencing extreme hardship, and severely food insecure households are living with constant stress and worry about food. 79% saw their food run out without enough money to purchase more.
In Western Australia 370,000 households experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months with close to 200,000 households experiencing severe food insecurity in the same time frame with 1 in 5 people facing days of no food.
Food insecurity weakens communities, can affect livelihoods, health and educational outcomes. Children in particular are vulnerable to the effects of hunger, which can limit their ability to build and strengthen their social and emotional skills, and it can affect their ability to learn as well as having many adverse health consequences.
The right to food is intertwined with other human rights, such as health, education, and social equality. Hunger undermines these rights, as people who do not have access to healthy, nutritious food are less likely to access education or participate in social activities or be active members in their communities. On the flip side, fulfilling the right to food supports broader goals for society such as fostering healthier, more resilient populations.
Access to Foodbank and nutrition education, such as our nom! programs exemplify how targeted efforts can bridge gaps and reinforce the interconnectedness of individuals and communities.
Recognising food as a basic human right is a necessity. Addressing this right is a step toward a more just and equitable world, where the dignity of all people is upheld. By prioritising food security, we invest in the foundations of humanity itself.