The past year saw three quarters of struggling households in NSW & ACT experience food insecurity for the first time – yet the wealth of Australia’s top income earners grew by almost $600,000 a day

Everyday Australians are struggling to make ends meet, with the cost-of-living crisis the major cause of concern for households across NSW and the ACT. 

Data from the 2025 Foodbank Hunger Report showed one in three households in NSW and the ACT experienced food insecurity in the past year. And an alarming 74 percent of those households going hungry were navigating food shortage for the first time ever.  

Yet in the same year, according to new data released by Oxfam Australia, the nation’s highest income earners saw their wealth increase by almost $600,000 a day. 

The anti-poverty charity this week published research which revealed Australia’s 48 billionaires hold more wealth than the almost 11 million lower income earners sitting on the other end of the scale combined. 

The findings highlight the disparity in our current economic climate and emphasise the need for increased support for those experiencing hardship, at a time when housing affordability is directly impacting people’s ability to put food on the table. 

Figures from the 2025 Foodbank Hunger Report also show the combination of unaffordable and unavailable housing is making it harder than ever for people to make ends meet. 

The report highlights that 50 percent of renters and 28 percent of mortgage holders in NSW and the ACT are now food insecure. A significant number of households cited “changes in household or living arrangements”, such as moving house or rising rent, as a key reason for their food insecurity.   

Samantha Prescott, Chief Operating Officer of Foodbank NSW & ACT, said the organisation is seeing more people forced to make impossible choices between paying for housing or putting food on the table.    

“When rent goes up or interest rates increase, food is often one of the first things sacrificed,” Mrs Prescott said.  

“Over a third of Aussies are struggling to make ends meet, and just one in five households are living comfortably on their current income.  

“Food insecurity doesn’t look one way - it can affect any of us at any time. We’re hearing from people who’ve never needed help before; middle-income earners, people with jobs earning $90,000 a year.  

“This isn’t just about poverty. It’s about a system where even working Australians can no longer afford the basics.”  

As the cost-of-living crisis hits Australians harder than ever, Foodbank NSW & ACT is calling on the support of those who can help.   

“We believe everyone should have access to the food they need, but we can’t make that happen without the support of our communities and partners,” Mrs Prescott said.  

“Every dollar donated allows us to provide two meals to someone in need. We urge our communities to stand with us and help ensure no one goes hungry.”  

To support Foodbank NSW & ACT, visit foodbank.org.au and donate today. 

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please visit our website at foodbank.org.au and look for the 'Find Food' button.