Food welfare supporting 180,000 Aust kids
A growing number of Australian children are reaching out for food welfare, with a new study finding 180,000 disadvantaged kids relying on it.
The Foodbank Hunger Report 2014, released on Thursday to coincide with World Food Day, revealed that more than half a million Australians are supported by food aid each month, and a third of these are children.
A further 60,000 people, including 24,000 children, are being turned away with empty hands and stomachs by aid agencies lacking food and resources.
The study was conducted by Foodbank Australia, a non-profit organisation that distributes food to aid agencies.
Foodbank CEO Jason Hincks said the number of kids needing help is shocking, adding that regular meals are essential to not only a child's health, but their self esteem and social relationships.
"No child should have to worry about where their next meal will come from," he said.
More than 60 per cent of Australian welfare agencies reported a growing demand for food welfare.
Food is a large part of why disadvantaged Australians seek out welfare services, with three-quarters of aid agencies reporting it as a significant reason.
Salvation Army spokesperson Major Bruce Harmer said food assistance helps welfare agencies to build trust with disadvantaged families and people in need.
"And address those bigger issues that may have led these individuals to rely on food relief in the first place," he said.
The Food Hunger Report surveyed almost 1200 welfare agencies in Australia on their food relief activities.
FOOD WELFARE IN AUSTRALIA
More than 516,000 Australians access food relief each month, with almost 35 per cent children
60,000 disadvantaged people seeking food relief cannot be assisted by welfare agencies each month
Low income families found to be the largest group accessing food assistance, followed by single parent families and the unemployed
65 per cent of charities lack enough food to meet demand
73 per cent of agencies report food as a significant reason for people seeking support
80 per cent of agencies say food helps staff build trust and provide other services
