You may have heard the term ‘food insecure’ mentioned when referring to people who are struggling, but what does it actually mean?
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations defines food insecurity as “a situation that exists when people lack secure access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life”.
This also includes access to culturally appropriate food, like kosher products and special foods for festivals, for people who are Jewish.
Recent studies by FoodBank Australia have shown that over a quarter of Australian adults can be classified as food insecure, and our community is no exception. People may become food insecure for many reasons, including; facing an unexpected expense like a large bill, injury or sickness to themselves or their family, the increased cost of essential goods and much more.
It is estimated that approximately 10,000 individuals within our community experience food insecurity, and C Care, a front-line local community organisation, aims to reach and help as many of them as possible. C Care supports individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and social isolation with their personalised services including; nutritious hot meals, bespoke pantry boxes, fresh produce bags and ‘buddy calls’.
As we settle into a new ‘normal’, C Care continues to experience a rapid increase in demand for their essential services, while still ensuring that their offerings are provided with dignity, care and respect to vulnerable members of our community.
One C Care recipient recently testified, ‘I truly appreciate the help from C Care. I am a pensioner and I take care of my children, and the prices of groceries have risen so much- it’s so expensive that I can’t keep up. Because C Care helps me, I can now afford my other necessities like medicine and insurance. Thank you so much for helping me.’
It is evident that there are a growing number of people in our community in need of support. Every single day, C Care receives 3 new referrals requesting assistance for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and social isolation. Over the past year alone, the total number of recipients supported by C Care has nearly doubled, and this growth continues to increase consistently. This time last year, C Care was supporting 727 individuals, and now they are helping over 1,410 individuals and families in need.
C Care’s upcoming Giving Day on the 24th of May is the perfect opportunity to show your support, and have a real impact on the lives of vulnerable members of our community. For one day only, your donation will be tripled by C Care’s generous major partners, reflecting the three new recipients C Care onboards every day.
Find out more and donate on the day at www.charidy.com/ccare