Charities are facing a significant challenge this festive season due to dwindling donations while the demand for food relief surges amid rising living costs. Trish Crossthwaite, who has been with Wayside Chapel in Sydney’s Kings Cross for over 16 years, notes that current needs are unprecedented. Despite serving nearly 20,000 meals this year, the charity has experienced an 80% drop in food donations, forcing them to rely more heavily on Foodbank Australia.
Crossthwaite has observed increasing pressure on their resources, with regular patrons now visiting more frequently. She emphasises the widening demographic of those seeking assistance, indicating that even individuals with jobs are now struggling. According to Foodbank Australia’s 2024 Hunger Report, approximately 3.4 million households have faced food insecurity.
Foodbank’s CEO, Brianna Casey, highlights that rising hunger is impacting not just low-income earners; even households with incomes exceeding $95,000 are experiencing food insecurity. She stresses the need for increased government support for food relief initiatives.
As Christmas approaches, Wayside Chapel is fundraising for its annual Christmas Day Street Party, intended to offer a free three-course meal to the vulnerable. Crossthwaite foresees an intense January as the charity prepares to meet continuing demands, affirming the necessity to bolster staffing and food supplies to provide ongoing support.