Knox families and individuals are having to choose between food and other essentials like rent and medication, a parliamentary Inquiry into Food Security in Victoria has heard.
Knox Council made a submission and gave evidence to the inquiry, which was cited numerous times in parliament's final report.
Council highlighted to parliament that food insecurity in a country like Australia resulted from low/stagnant wages, unemployment, underemployment, low Centrelink payments, insecure or unaffordable housing and cost of living pressures, including higher prices of healthier food options.
Council convenes the Knox Food Relief Taskforce established in 2023, which involves more than 35 local food relief providers, to document and support the increasing demand for food relief.
The taskforce surveyed 235 residents accessing food relief and found:
- 70% cut back on quality and variety of food due to cost
- 56% access food relief because Centrelink payments can't cover rent, food and bills
- 33% access food relief because wages can't cover rent, food and bills
- 44% skip meals
- 23% go without food a day or more
"Towards the end of the fortnight I rely on my daughter to bring me food," an older resident of public housing told the taskforce.
"It's hard when you have to decide between buying medication or fruit and veggies," another said.
By May 2024, Knox food relief providers were each week:
- serving or distributing 2,000+ cooked meals - 167% increase in less than two years
- assisting with 2,200 grocery packs/ pantry visits - 550% increase in less than two years
"Compared to 2022, the Knox picture in 2024 to date is telling," Council's submission states. "The number of cooked meals being distributed by food relief providers has doubled and the number of grocery/pantry parcels is five times the level of two years ago."
Knox residents are frequently forced to decide between securing food and meeting other essential needs such as housing, health care and utilities, Council told parliament.
Council's submission highlights that poor mental health, along with stigma and shame, are linked to food insecurity.
Council highlighted the need for regulation to ensure fair pricing of essential goods.
If you live in Knox and are in need of food and other emergency relief, find community and welfare relief service providers .
Photo: Council supports volunteers at Outer East Foodshare, Wantirna, to distribute supplies to about 35 local services.
