Unlucky Canberra families do it tough as Australians spend big this Christmas

It's a similar story in nation's capital with local volunteers preparing to support close to 5000 Canberrans doing it tough over the holidays.

Nearly one-fifth of Australian adults (18.6 per cent) know at least five families who will experience financial hardship or poverty over Christmas, Roy Morgan research commissioned by the Salvation Army revealed on Friday.

Meanwhile, more than 7 per cent knew at least 10 families who will struggle.

The figures are based on the responses of a sample of 1171 Australians aged 18 to 64 years old.

Salvation Army Major Bruce Harmer said the disparity revealed by the data was "incredibly sad".

The charitable organisation expects to help about 300,000 Australian over Christmas, distributing close to 100,000 food vouchers and hampers and serving 10,000 meals to people in need.

The Salvation Army will also hand out more than 500,000 gifts and toys with the help of the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.

In contrast, almost 40 per cent of people surveyed said their households bought too much food for Christmas Day.

Close to one- fifth (18.6 per cent) of people surveyed spent between $200 and $299 on food, while 11.8 per cent spent between $300 and $499.

Another 5 per cent spent more than $500 on the day's feast.

Meanwhile, nearly three-quarters (71.7 per cent) said the gap between rich and poor was growing, compared with 60 per cent four years earlier.

A Salvation Army survey of clients in May revealed one-quarter of respondents missed out on at least one substantial meal a day, while 34 per cent missed out on fresh fruit and vegetables.

Nearly one-fifth, or 18 per cent, went without three meals a day.

"It's heartbreaking that some families have more than enough food to share, while others are skipping meals and are unable to buy their child a Christmas present," Major Harmer said.

"Poverty has a significant effect on people. For some, Christmas is a deeply isolating time. Many of our clients find this time of year extremely difficult because of the huge stress and financial difficulties they are up against."

ACT divisional spokesman Gary Masters said Canberra was not exempt from the "startling" disparities raised in the national report.

He said the Salvation Army would help about 5000 Canberrans struggling financially this Christmas.

"For a community of 320,000 people, if we're helping 5000, that's a fairly significant number," he said.

"We do have some highly paid public servants who are going to enjoy a very good Christmas [but] there are also other people in the community who are really struggling to make ends meet."

Mr Masters said a drive past Northbourne Avenue's public housing precinct alluded to the disparity between richer and poor.

"Cast your eyes left and right, it gives a bit of an idea things aren't going as well as we like to think they are," he said.

Mr Masters said the commercialisation of holidays like Christmas placed pressure on families who couldn't necessarily afford to spend big.

Close to a quarter of national survey respondents intended to spend $100 to $199 on a loved one such as their spouse or partner, while 16 per cent budgeted between $200 and $499 and 7.2 per cent intended to spend $500 or more.

Mr Masters urged people to "spare a thought for those doing it tough" and to consider donating food or gifts to disadvantaged families.

"At this time of the year, why not look around and help those you know who need some help," he said.

Similarly, Major Harmer said he hoped families would consider donating money, food or gifts as part of the charity's Christmas appeal.

"Australia is a nation of people who stand by those in need," he said.

"We have seen that recently in the outpouring of love and support for those suffering across the world. This Christmas let's stand by those Aussie families who are doing it tough."

To donate to the Salvation Army, visit salvos.org.au or phone 13 72 58.