An Australian dad has hit out over food costs after a single bag of shopping cost him $85 – but didn’t get the sympathetic reaction he was hoping for.
The single dad-of-two shared a photo of his modest grocery store on X, asking how struggling Australians are expected to be able to “afford to eat” in 2024.
The 51-year-old said he is on Jobseeker and looks after his 24-year-old son, who has a disability but can barely afford to put food on the table.
But the unemployed father’s aggressive post, which included telling people to “f*** off” if they were going to tell him to “get a job”, sparked a fierce debate.
Some sympathized with the man and said they were left with the bill in shock after an expensive trip through the boxes.
‘Pension for caregivers here. “I buy my food and cleaning products at ALDI,” said one person.
You have meat! I remember those things (I’m on Jobseeker instead of DSP). When Jobseeker doubled during the brief Covid period, the first thing I bought was a steak,” said another.
“To be fair, I think you did well for $85.”
An Australian dad has hit out over food costs after a single bag of shopping cost him $85 – but didn’t get the sympathetic reaction he was hoping for.
“Thank God for those little yellow stickers,” the man agreed, noting that he got the sales at 10 in the morning.
However, others criticized the father’s choice of food and his decision to “survive on handouts” rather than work.
“You say you want to double the number of job applicants… I don’t want to pay people to be out of work and able to buy twice as many medications a week at taxpayers’ expense,” said one critic.
‘Don’t buy processed foods! Buy fruits and vegetables in season!’ Another suggested.
‘I agree, Jobseeker should be increased to the average Australian wage. “I wouldn’t have to get up and go to work six days a week to support my family,” said another.
One also pointed out wedges, berries and meat, stating that your eating habits should reflect your budget.
But this angered the man even more, who replied: “You don’t know my house.”
This left many out of the game.
It’s very difficult for anyone to feel sympathy when you act like a jerk. Calm down, Samantha,’ a man said.
One man pointed to the raspberries and joked that they would have made up 40 percent of the store. This struck a chord.
“They were $4.90, so I guess you’re shit at math,” the man responded.
“It was clearly a joke, just try to let a little lighthearted humor and joy into your life, it really helps in this dark world we live in,” the prankster responded.
“Seriously, if you’re on a budget, $5 berries probably aren’t the priority,” said another.
The man added that his disabled son has an obsession with the Coles brand, which makes it impossible for him to shop anywhere else.
