A Salvos survey showed cost of living pressures are leading some Aussies to skip meals, eat expired goods and search for food in bins.
The charity surveyed 1,500 people who accessed financial relief through its services over the past year.
It found 60% of those surveyed by Salvos had skipped meals in 2023 because of increased costs.
- One in four people who accessed Salvos support had eaten food that was expired or spoiled.
- 45% said they had to choose between paying their rent/mortgage or buying food.
- One in 20 people had eaten food from rubbish bins.
A 33-year-old mother who accessed financial relief from Salvos skipped meals. She said:
“I’m having to go days without eating so my kids can eat [and] cancelling specialist appointments that are a requirement for my health due to the cost of living.”
Mental health
- Nearly four in five said they found everyday tasks more difficult due to their mental health and wellbeing.
- Almost half of respondents could not afford to pay for mental health support services.
Affordability
- 94% of people struggled to pay for essentials including housing, healthcare, and bills.
- Three in five were unable to pay bills on time. This is six times the national average.
