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2025 Community Needs Survey

These insights are taken from OzHarvest’s annual Community Needs Survey of the frontline charities we support. 874 charities responded, painting a clear picture of the real human cost of food insecurity in Australia.

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Food-recipient-line_north-balga-primary-school-scaled
Food-recipient-line_north-balga-primary-school-scaled

2025 Community Needs Survey

These insights are taken from OzHarvest’s annual Community Needs Survey of the frontline charities we support. 874 charities responded, painting a clear picture of the real human cost of food insecurity in Australia.

Download Infographic

There's a critical gap

Our charities tell us there’s a critical gap between the need for support and resources available.

77%

of charities reported an increase in demand in the last 12 months

31%

of people are asking for help for the first time


Demand outweighs supply

Charities are stretched beyond their limits and report a 54% increase in people they are unable to support as they struggle to cope with ongoing high demand.

72%

of charities need more food to meet demand

50K+

people are unable to be supported with food each month

 


Food relief is an essential lifeline

Charities are often providing additional services beyond food relief, including financial and employment support, housing assistance, medical services, and educational programs – receiving free food means they can redirect their often limited budgets to support other services.

1,551

charities supported

1,200

on the waitlist to receive food


It’s not just hunger

The emotional toll is huge.

Parents skip meals, parents experience guilt and shame when sending kids to school with no food some families are too proud to take support.

 

Nutritional Sacrifices 

Food has become a luxury, not a necessity, with many unable to afford adequate nutrition.


Pressure Points

Housing affordability, low/insufficient income and grocery prices are the biggest challenges.


Who our charities support

Families are consistently the biggest group who need help. Charities report seeing more people that are homeless, now forced to live in cars, tents and hotels due to cost of living.


Call for action

OzHarvest is urging the government to take immediate steps and a holistic approach to address Australia’s food crisis:

  • Appointing a dedicated Minister for Food to coordinate food security, food waste and food system solutions
  • Ongoing, sustainable funding for essential food rescue and relief
  • Meaningful cost-of-living interventions including increased welfare payments and housing affordability measures

You can add your voice to our open letter for the next Government here.

Add your voice