“Our primary concern right now is that the data we’ve gathered indicates a persistent, systemic issue that shows no signs of improvement. That’s why we’re urging the federal government to join forces with us to address and resolve this,” stated a spokesperson.

According to the report, renters are among the groups most vulnerable to food insecurity, with half of renting households facing this challenge over the past year.

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She pays $1,000 per fortnight in rent and works to make up the gap.

Source: SBS News

When she can’t meet the difference, she does her shopping at Foodbank, but even its heavily subsidised food can be out of reach.

“I usually have maybe two meals a day if I’m lucky or one.”

Jessica Menace says “costs are getting worse”. Source: SBS News / Supplied

In a good week, Jessica said she goes to a discount supermarket to buy beef mince and make meals for the week. But often she cannot afford meat or fresh fruit and groceries, opting for cheap microwave meals.

“And I don’t really see that happening any time in the near future unless they drastically increase youth allowance and all the other payments as well. I just can’t afford that sort of food.”

Harms of poor nutrition

Lee said that lower socio-economic households and single-parent households tend to experience some of the poorest health outcomes.

“It really encourages people to spend more on the least healthy items as well.”

Other vulnerable groups

Meanwhile, 68 per cent of single-parent households are now food insecure.

Source: SBS News

Overall, one in five households earning $91,000 or more experiences food insecurity.

At the same time, an estimated 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted each year, according to Foodbank, costing the economy over $36.6 billion annually.

Is a new tax the solution?

Tink explained that the proposed tax incentive would provide a cashback or tax credit for businesses, such as farmers or growers, based on the costs incurred in donating food.