WINTER FEED FOR THOSE IN NEED
FOOD relief isn’t new – but those who need it now has dramatically changed.
Statistics from food rescue charity Secondbite reveal that even people in stable employment can’t stretch their budgets far enough to cover major bills and food.
Secondbite CEO Steve Clifford said the food relief agency already knew one in six were affected by food insecurity, but it never used to be those with jobs.
“Once upon a time, when you had a job we didn’t see you at our agencies,” Mr Clifford said, adding that it had been happening in the past few months.
He pointed to factors including Covid, floods on the east coast, the start of winter and increased cost of living.
While food is essential, Secondbite’s research found it was considered a “malleable” cost that was easiest to cut.
“If the rent is due every month, there’s only so long you can miss paying it, and you have to keep the lights on and heating in winter,” Mr Clifford said. “When costs are going up, but you have a fixed income, then there’s no money left for food.”
The Coles Secondbite Winter Appeal, launched on Wednesday, is an annual chance to help fellow Australians who are going hungry. News Corp Australia community ambassador Penny Fowler said she was proud to have been an ambassador for Secondbite since 2011.
“Secondbite’s work has never been so important as now when many Australians face a daily struggle with spiralling living costs, to the point they are no longer sure where their next meal is coming from or when it will be,” Ms Fowler said.
Celebrity chef and Coles ambassador Curtis Stone called on customers to dig deep to support those in our community doing it tough.
“As the temperature plummets, it really hits home how difficult this winter will be for so many who cannot afford to put a regular, healthy meal on the table,” he said. “By donating as little as $2, Secondbite can provide the equivalent of 10 nutritious meals to families or individuals in need.”
Mr Clifford said food was the tip of the iceberg.
“When people come to get food, it’s also a terrific opportunity to access other services, such as financial counselling, mental health support and housing assistance,” he said.
BUY A $2 DONATION CARD AT COLES SUPERMARKETS UNTIL JULY 5 OR MAKE A DONATION AT ANY LIQUORLAND, FIRST CHOICE LIQUOR OR VINTAGE CELLARS STORE UNTIL JULY 12