Helping hand: Jeremy Rensford in front of the FoodShare van, which collects and distributes food for those in need.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“We have seen an increase in demand during and after COVID, and the cost-of-living crisis is only increasing that demand. We are seeing people who have never needed assistance before are now needing assistance from the agencies we are connected with.”
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These are the words of Shepparton FoodShare chair Jeremy Rensford. The organisation he runs collects food that is unsellable (though importantly still consumable) or is in excess, and distributes it to groups such as emergency relief agencies, churches and schools in Greater Shepparton.
The food is then forwarded through the agencies to people in need.
Hampers: Some of the food that has been distributed via FoodShare.
Photo by
Jamie Salter
Though Mr Rensford wishes his charity was not needed, the sad truth is that groups such asFoodShare are becoming more important than ever due to the cost-of-living crisis engulfing Australians.
Australia recorded an annual inflation rate of 6.8 per cent in August. With wages stagnating, this increase is pushing many low-income earners and those on welfare to the brink.
Food costs have risen dramatically, with fruit and vegetables (18.6 per cent higher than 12 months ago) leading the way. With the fuel excise relief ending on September 28, the inevitable increase of petrol costs will act as just another hammer blow to those already struggling.
The cost-of-living crisis is only increasing despair and financial distress among Australians reeling from two years of COVID-19 turmoil.
“The biggest fear is that basic needs are harder to obtain. Everyone needs to eat,” Mr Rensford said.
“The affordability and the amount of food that people can access will diminish due to the cost-of-living crisis.”
Mr Rensford’s concerns are shared by Major Warren Elliott of the Victorian Salvation Army.
The Salvos have seen a growing cohort of older Australians, especially single elderly women, and working-class families come through their doors recently.
This is on top of those who usually seek help, most notably those in low-income households.
Numbers of people seeking assistance have been slowly increasing in Victoria due to the cost-of-living crisis, and the Salvos are expecting the numbers to rise dramatically as Christmas approaches.
Growing need: The Salvation Army is bracing for more people to seek assistance, as the cost-of-living crisis deepens.
Photo by
Anna McGuinness
The Salvos are recommending people in need seek assistance earlier rather than later, because the longer people wait, the more complicated their problems will get.
“One of our biggest fears is that people will leave it too long to seek the help that they need … just get in touch with local providers, be they Salvation Army or other providers,” Major Elliott said.
“There is no shame or judgment from us, as anyone can need help.”
Those wishing to help the Salvation Army can donate online or leave quality material goods such as clothes, bedding and furniture at their local store.
