Cost of living increases are impacting the most vulnerable across Queensland with Foodbank Queensland revealing more than half the state's food relief charities are struggling to feed families in need of support.
Already providing additional emergency food supplies to 67 food relief charities this year, Foodbank Queensland is supporting a staggering 50 per cent more people on a weekly basis than before the pandemic.
To support struggling food relief charities and families in need, Foodbank Queensland is urging Queenslanders to participate in its annual Hunger Drive campaign from 1-30 September 2022.
Foodbank Queensland chief executive Sara Harrup said with thousands of Queensland children and adults going hungry each year, the most vulnerable are often those who walk past you every day.
"Food insecurity doesn't discriminate and affects Queenslanders of all ages, backgrounds, living situations, employment status and location," she said.
"In the face of rising costs of living, we're seeing a spike in demand for our vital food relief services, as more Queenslanders turn to Foodbank's Member Charities to help put food on the table.
"Very often it can be your neighbour or friend who is struggling and too embarrassed or ashamed to speak out and ask for help.
"With more than 13 per cent of Australia's population living below the poverty line, and food relief organisations across the state facing difficulties in meeting growing demand, it's critical the community bands together to provide as much as we can to support those in need."
During September, a long-term donor of Foodbank Queensland will be matching all donations made to the Hunger Drive. That means, every dollar donated to the Hunger Drive will generate four meals to help fight hunger and provide much needed food relief to charities and families who need it most.
Queenslanders can get involved with the Hunger Drive throughout September by setting a fundraising challenge at home, schools, and workplaces. This can include donating your monthly coffee fund, giving up your favourite food or committing to a fitness goal.
