The cost of living crisis is affecting more Hobartians than ever before, with Hobart City Mission now distributing almost twice the number of food packs compared to the beginning of the year.
Last month, the organisation distributed 824 food packs, up from an average of around 535 over the previous 8 months.
Hobart City Mission CEO Harvey Lennon says the number has been steadily increasing throughout the year as the rising cost of living pushes more families into food insecurity and housing stress.
“All of us are seeing huge increases in the cost of groceries, power, and petrol”, says Lennon.
“The people who are coming to us for support are already living paycheck to paycheck – there is no room to move. An increase of $20 in groceries, will mean something else must be sacrificed.”
He said people are “doing their best”, but called the situation “just not good enough”.
“We know of parents who are forced to skip meals so their children can eat. We know of people who pay 50% – 60% of their income just on rent. We know of elderly people who have been steadily selling their furniture every month so they can afford to heat their homes.”
Lennon said 900 people have also applied for their Christmas Assistance Program, which provides food support, supermarket vouchers and gifts to children under 16 who would otherwise have to go without at Christmas.
“We are calling on the local community to help us meet the demand for food for Emergency Relief, and toys for our Christmas Assistance program”, Lennon said.
“We know that times are tough for a lot of people, so if you are able to help, please donate non- perishable food items to our office, or visit our website to make a financial donation.”
“Any contribution, big or small, makes a real difference to those doing it tough.”
Hobart City Mission’s Emergency Relief Program is approximately 50% funded by the government, with the remainder coming from donations from the community.
