COVID-19 has caused a wave of food insecurity and Foodbank's annual hunger report warns Australia hasn't hit "peak hunger" in the COVID-19 crisis yet.
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The organisation surveyed 1001 Australians aged 18 and older who faced food insecurity between June 25 and July 15.
The report found demand for food relief in September 2020 was 47 per cent higher than pre-COVID levels.
Charities reported to Foodbank their demand increased by 25 per cent demand since the reduction of JobKeeper and JobSeeker payment.
Charities anticipate they'll need 41 per cent more food to cover an expected increase of food insecurity after JobKeeper and JobSeeker is wound back.
Australians aged 18 to 25 were worst hit with 65 per cent of people in the age bracket unable to afford enough food at least once a week. People aged 26 to 40 did not fare much better with 57 per cent facing food insecurity.
Those who were facing food insecurity prior to COVID-19 are at a further risk, with 43 per cent of food insecure Australians unable to afford to eat for at least one day a week, compared with 30 per cent in 2019.
Due to the COVID-19 economic crisis, three-in-10 Australians face food insecurity who had never gone hungry before the pandemic.
Women make up 60 per cent of Australians facing food insecurity for the first time.
International students and casual workers were identified as two emerging demographics who were at a particular risk of food insecurity.
Alongside financial issues increasing demand, charities are concerned about sourcing food. Supply chains have been hit by panic buying and and there is concern about a lack of labour in time for summer harvests.
Foodbank's report raised concern about the impact of natural disasters such as cyclones and flooding further hurting the supply chain.
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"Last year, we had to redirect food supplies from our regular services to cope with the bushfires," the report said.
"We do not want to have to choose who to help this Christmas and New Year."
Foodbank NSW & ACT chief executive Gerry Anderson predicts hunger to increase in 2021.
"Support is needed now more than ever before as we brace and prepare for what is to come," he said.