Families struggling with the cost of living crisis are going hungry as they wait for an inquiry into Victoria’s food security to report its findings, campaigners say.
As the cost of living crisis pushes more Australians into food insecurity, pressure is mounting on state and federal governments to take action.
About a third of the nearly 180 submissions to a Victorian food security inquiry came from struggling families, Sustain: The Australian Food Network chief executive Nick Rose said.
“The overwhelming message from these people is that they are struggling, cutting back on food, cutting back on the quality of food, having to choose between buying medicine and eating,” Dr Rose told AAP.
“There was also a lot of anger towards supermarkets – that was another very clear theme that emerged.”
About one in three Australians face moderate to severe food insecurity and difficult choices about everyday meals, according to the country’s largest food charity, Foodbank.
The charity’s Victorian centre had to launch an emergency food drive in early August to replenish its shelves amid unprecedented demand and spiralling donations.
“Meanwhile, Victoria exports most of the food we grow,” Dr Rose said.
About one in three Australians face moderate to severe food insecurity and difficult choices about everyday meals, according to the country’s largest food charity, Foodbank (file image)
Nationally, Australia exports about 72 per cent of the food it produces, federal government data shows, with Victoria accounting for almost a quarter of agricultural output by gross value.
“Given our status as a net food exporter, combined with our wealth, the fact that food insecurity is so high despite such abundant production is an indictment of our food system,” said Dr Rose.
Sustain has made some 30 recommendations to the inquiry, including launching a state-wide food systems and security strategy and appointing a minister to oversee it.
He also wants to see the creation of a $250 million fund that would be financed by an extension of the current payroll tax surcharge on large companies.
“That funding mechanism already exists, and we see a clear and compelling case for a modest extension to effectively support community members, and community organizations are already on the front lines of this crisis,” said Dr. Rose.
Victoria’s Law and Social Affairs Committee will report on the inquiry in November, but Dr Rose has historically been disappointed by state and federal responses.
As the cost of living crisis pushes more Australians into food insecurity, pressure is mounting on state and federal governments to take action (file image)
“At best, we see the implementation of a few simple recommendations, along with a ‘plan to do plan’ that is updated every few years,” he said.
At worst, they are shelved, there is little participation, and the ever-present voices of advocates fall on unheeding ears.
‘We, and many others, demand that the state government take immediate and strong action to ensure a thriving, healthy, sustainable and fair food system for all Victorians.’
