Hunger hits women the most as SA hits record need 

13 October 2019

  • In SA, there has been a 15% increase of those requiring food relief from the previous year
  • Foodbank SA currently supports more than 126,000 people with Food Relief each month, through agency relationships, Food Hubs and School Programs
  • In SA around 134,620 individuals are seeking food relief each month including via school relief programs – with more than 7876 people unable to be provided with food each month
  • Women are 50% more likely to experience food insecurity than men.

 

A new Foodbank survey has found that more South Australians that ever are seeking food relief – with a staggering 134,620 people asking for help each month – up 15% from last year.

The report, released today by Foodbank SA, highlights that the demand continues to grow, with women bearing the brunt of food insecurity.

The Foodbank Hunger Report, now in its seventh year, surveys 2,000 charities and 1,000 individuals experiencing food insecurity from around the country.

In South Australia, the need continues to grow with more than 126,000 people seeking food relief each month – increase from last year’s 117,260. These are provided through a range of services such as agency support, Food Hubs and school programs.

Foodbank currently runs five Food Hubs across SA, as well as a Mobile Food Van which is used to take food to communities that are remote or not close to an existing Food Hub.

Foodbank SA chief executive Greg Pattinson said it was a very sad fact that the demand still could not be met.

“The fact that we can’t get enough food to enough people is still a significant issue,” he said.

“Despite our best efforts, we still can’t get to the parts of the state that really need our help, either due to the high cost of transport, logistics or that we just can’t get enough food to take to them.”

Mr Pattinson called on the State Government to do more to fix the problem.

“There shouldn’t be more than 7000 South Australians every month worrying about where they are going to get their next meal,” he said.

“We need significantly more funding support from the SA Government if we are to get closer to bridging this gap.”

Media Enquiries: .

Sarah Davies, 0432 511 091 
Jenny Turner, 0412 155 245