Rising food, energy and housing costs are pushing more Tasmanians into crisis, with families skipping meals to keep up with rent and bills.
St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania says demand for emergency relief is at breaking point, with many people seeking help for the first time.
Southern Regional President Louise Wilson said food insecurity had become the most common reason people were turning to the charity.
“We see people sacrificing meals so they can meet other essential costs,” she said.
Many working families were paying between $600 and $700 a week in rent alone, Wilson said.
“When you add electricity, medical costs and transport on top of that, there is very little left for food or unexpected expenses.”
The festive season is adding to the strain, with financial pressure colliding with emotional distress and social isolation.
“Christmas is a very difficult time for people who are already doing it tough,” she said.
“For many, the pressure builds for weeks beforehand. People are asked what they are doing for Christmas, but the reality is that some have no family to spend it with or simply cannot afford to participate in what others take for granted.”
Wilson said loneliness was an often overlooked factor.
“For people who are estranged from family or living alone, Christmas can heighten feelings of isolation,” she said.
“It is not just financial stress. It is emotional and mental stress as well and we see that every day in our offices.”
Vinnies volunteers are working overtime to meet surging demand, delivering hampers and responding to a growing number of requests for assistance.
“We do this work because people need us, but we cannot do it alone,” Wilson said.
The charity is calling on the community to dig deep for its Christmas appeal, warning support will be needed well into the new year.
