Tens of thousands of Australians are falling through the cracks each month in what is being labelled a “national emergency hiding in plain sight”.

OzHarvest’s latest survey of frontline charities has found 50,000 people are being turned away from food charities per month this year — a 54 per cent increase from the 32,467 people turned away each month in 2024.

It found 31 per cent of people seeking food assistance were doing so for the first time, with families and single parents being the largest groups.

“This is a national emergency hiding in plain sight,” OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn said.

“We are in the midst of a national food security crisis.

“Driven by the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and spiralling housing costs and energy bills, Australians are sacrificing food just to get by.”

The survey found 77 per cent of charities recorded an increase in the number of people needing food last year, with 72 per cent of charities needing more food to meet demand.

South Australia saw the highest surge in demand of 82 per cent, followed by Victoria with 81 per cent, Queensland with 79 per cent and New South Wales with 78 per cent.

“Every day we’re out in communities across Australia supporting 1550 charities that are stretched beyond their limits, as the gap between demand and resources keeps widening,” Kahn said.

“In addition, we have 1200 charities on the waitlist to receive food.”

OzHarvest is calling for the government to create a minister for food position to coordinate food security, food waste and food system solutions.

The organisation is asking for sustainable and ongoing funding for essential food rescue and relief, and meaningful cost-of-living interventions.

“The math is heartbreaking. Our sector provides 160 million meals annually, but it’s nowhere near enough,” Kahn said.

“Government failure to support those doing it toughest is deeply disappointing.

“This crisis demands immediate action — we need funding to feed people today, but we need leadership and policy change to ensure no one goes hungry tomorrow.

“This is above politics — this is people’s lives.”