Foodbank Queensland has joined forces with leading charities OzHarvest, SecondBite and FareShare and to call for the establishment of a dedicated Minister for Food as the state grapples with an escalating food insecurity crisis.
The move, which would be an Australian-first, aims to address the complex and mounting challenges facing the food system and ensure every Queenslander has access to safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.
The collective efforts of Foodbank Queensland, OzHarvest, SecondBite and FareShare provide a lifeline to millions of Queenslanders, distributing more than 22 million kilograms of food and grocery relief each year, equivalent to a staggering 46 million meals.
Yet the sector is struggling under an unprecedented surge in demand driven by the cost-of-living crisis and natural disasters.
Foodbank Queensland Chief Executive Officer Jess Watkinson said a Minister for Food would provide the focus and coordination needed to ensure that food security is a top priority for the state government.
"The number of Queenslanders struggling to put food on the table is reaching alarming levels - 1 in 5 households each year to be exact. We need a coordinated and strategic approach to address the root causes of food insecurity and build a more resilient food system for the future," Ms Watkinson said.
"This groundbreaking role would be an Australian first, demonstrating Queensland's commitment to tackling food insecurity head-on. The Minister would oversee the development of a food relief strategy and investment plan, coordinate government responses and drive efforts to reduce food waste across the state.
"A dedicated Minister would also be in line with recommendations from the House Standing Committee on Agriculture report Australian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyond, which investigates Australia's food security amidst challenges such as climate change, biosecurity threats and supply chain disruptions."
OzHarvest Queensland Manager, Michaela Windsor said urgent action was long overdue to address this ongoing issue in the state.
"Nearly 70% of the charities we support say they desperately need more food to meet demand. There are so many new people seeking food relief for the first time in their lives - some have to line up for over two hours to receive fresh fruit and vegetables," Ms Windsor said.
"In a country that produces enough food to feed everyone, this should not be happening. Queensland has the opportunity to lead the way and tackle these issues head on with a Minister for Food."
The Queensland food relief sector has also called for the establishment of a food systems taskforce, to better ensure Queenslanders have access to healthy food in sufficient amounts, and the development of a food relief strategy and investment plan.
"A thorough food relief plan is essential to help ensure the food relief sector remains adequately resourced for the short-term, while planning is undertaken for medium and long-term investment," Ms Watkinson said.
The food relief sector is urging all political parties to commit to these priorities in the lead-up to the state election so every Queenslander has access to the food they need to thrive.