Source: Australian Food News

In last night’s federal budget, the government announced it will allocate $1 million of funding per annum, to support the work of Foodbank, Australia’s largest hunger relief organisation.

Foodbank Australia’s Chairman, Enzo Allara commented, “This is a significant step forward for Foodbank, as the Federal Government has acknowledged the growing problem of hunger that affects two million Australians each year. It also recognises the crucial role that Foodbank and its partners play in combating poverty across the country.”

New analysis from Foodbank released today reveals that demand for food support is rapidly rising, over the past 12 months there has been:
·        a dramatic 33% increase in the number of welfare agencies that rely on its services in New South Wales;
·        a 28% increase in Victoria; and,
·        an overall 11% increase across the country.

The not-for-profit now provides food to more than 2,500 welfare agencies and 396 schools across the country, creating a total of 70,000 meals every day - over 25.5 million a year.

Currently 13.2% of Australians live in low income households and the increasing reliance on Foodbank reflects the growing number of Australians dependent on welfare support and the increasing poverty gap. There is a common misconception that it is just the homeless who depend on charities. The rising cost of living in Australia has increased the pressure on other groups that now seek support, including those living on their own, the elderly, single mothers and the working poor.

To read the full story, follow this link: www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2011/05/11/budget-1-million-annually-for-foodbank.html