Let's Talk About Food survey reveals significant food insecurity, lower health outcomes among vulnerable members of society
Community centres, often operating on shoestring budgets, have emerged as crucial lifelines for those grappling with food insecurity.
But new research from the University of Wollongong (UOW) has revealed that the impact of these centres extends far beyond alleviating hunger.
Dr Katherine Kent and Professor Karen Charlton, nutrition and dietetics experts from UOW's Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems Research Group, have spent the last six months examining the food environment in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven to unravel the pivotal role that community centres play in supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Their research, part of their findings from the Let's Talk About Food survey, has led to the formation of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Food Futures Taskforce, bringing together stakeholders from local government, community organisations, health services, and food relief agencies to collaborate on integrated strategies addressing food insecurity and its associated health impacts across the region.
Conducted in collaboration with Food Fairness Illawarra and Healthy Cities Illawarra, the survey was sent out to close to 10,000 random households across the Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven local government areas, with the researchers receiving more than 700 responses.
Community centres are local organisations, often run by non-profits, government, religious groups, or community associations, that provide support services, resources, and programs to meet community needs.
Dr Kent and Professor Charlton worked with community centres in the region to collect data from the individuals who walked through their doors, ensuring the diverse range of community voices were heard.
Ash Castro, Manager of Warrawong Residents Forum, was instrumental in collecting data from community centres throughout the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Responses to the survey were collected online and via post, or in-person at the community centres.
Dr Kent said the survey's findings captured the importance of these centres in responding to the needs of their community, particularly in times of crisis.
"Community centres provide much more than emergency food relief; they are the first point of contact for people in crisis, linking them to housing support, healthcare, employment services, and mental health programs. Yet, they receive no dedicated funding for food relief," Dr Kent said.
"Despite being underfunded for food relief, community centres continue to step in, filling gaps left by government services. But without sustainable funding, these vital hubs risk being unable to meet demand."
Professor Karen Charlton and Dr Katherine Kent. Photo: Michael Gray
The researchers found that total food insecurity is much higher – more than double the rate - and more severe in respondents from community centres compared to those who took part in the survey online or via post.
Indeed, food insecurity is widespread among community centre users, with 73 per cent of adults and children affected. Notably, severe food insecurity, where people report skipping meals and experiencing hunger is much higher in respondents from community centres, affecting 38 per cent of households.
Community centre users also face significant challenges in maintaining a healthy diet, primarily due to cost barriers. A substantial 78 per cent said cost was a major hurdle in achieving a healthy diet, higher than the 59 per cent of respondents who answered online or via post.
Dr Kent said the staff at community centres emphasise that food is more than sustenance—it's a gateway to broader support, fostering trust and engagement that can lead to improved healthcare, employment opportunities, and mental health services.
As the cost of living continues to rise, the need for ongoing, adequate funding for these community centres has never been more urgent.
"When people come in for food, they often don't realise they're eligible for housing support or financial assistance," said Ash Castro, Manager of Warrawong Residents Forum. "Food is the bridge to getting them the help they really need. As the cost of living continues to rise, the need for ongoing, adequate funding for these community centres has never been more urgent."
"Food is a gateway to broader support, helping build relationships, trust, and engagement. However, community centre staff stress the urgent need for sustainable funding to maintain and expand food relief efforts. Without it, the vital support these centres provide may falter just when it's needed most, leaving vulnerable citizens without a crucial safety net."
"Policymakers must recognise the essential role of community centres and provide targeted funding to sustain and expand food relief efforts. Without action, thousands in our community will lose access to not just food, but also the vital support that helps them find stability."
