More than half of Australians are buying less food than they would like because of rising grocery costs, according to new YouGov research commissioned by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.
Polling produced by YouGov for St Vincent de Paul Society NSW found that St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members supported 566 people in Forbes over the past year; 23% sought assistance for the first time and 50% requested food assistance.
Across the Central West, covering Condobolin, Forbes, Parkes, Peak Hill and Trundle, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members supported 1,400 people with 66% requesting food assistance and 23% seeking assistance for the first time.
Food assistance remains one of the most common reasons people seek help from the Society, accounting for nearly three in four people (73%) assisted by local members in the past year.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President Peter Houweling said the organisation continued to rely on community support to meet growing demand.
“In regional communities, we’re seeing people who never imagined they would need assistance now reaching out for help with basic essentials,” Mr Houweling said.
As demand for food assistance continues, the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is encouraging people who can help to support its Hampers of Care appeal.
Making a donation is a small action that makes an immediate impact for someone in their time of need. Your donation means that someone will have food on the table tonight.
You can donate to the Vinnies Hampers of Care appeal at nsw.vinnies.org.au/hampersofcare