Australia's largest hunger relief group says 3.6 million Australians-including 1/5 children-have been in "food scarcity" for the past 12 months.
Cassie (Brianna Casey), chief executive of Foodbank, conceded that the food relief program was simply "sticking a band-aid on a huge wound."
While finding food for those in need is crucial, Kathy says, it does not address the root causes of food scarcity.
Sonita was one of those who had trouble putting food on the table. She and her husband deliberately skip meals once or twice a week to give their two children something to eat. At other times, they eat three meals a day on Weet-Bix.
Sunita, who takes full-time care of her sick daughter, said the most difficult moment was the delivery of electricity bills. "it's like someone pointed a gun at my head." She told SBS News.
Another couple, Renee and Grant, said their lives changed overnight when Grant had an accident at work.
They suddenly found that they could hardly afford a family of six, and that they could hardly afford to pay monthly mortgage payments and other bills. Despite the help of a community-based food program that offers low-cost groceries, the couple deliberately skip meals every week so that their children can eat.
"I never thought I'd get into this," Renee said. "anyway, it's in Australia."
Charities and food aid groups have stepped up their efforts to provide nutritious food and hot meals to those who may not be able to eat. Thousands of schools across Australia now have breakfast playrooms to ensure that their students enjoy a healthy meal at least before they go to school.
Lena, a middle-aged woman with three adult children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, is a member of the stolen Generation. The whole family lived on her old-age-gold income. She picked out what her grandchildren wanted to eat from a local food relief plan, but meat was a luxury.
"after all, they are my family, and they have no one else to rely on." She said.