The cost-of-living crisis is causing widespread impact, leaving many Australians unable to afford basic pantry items, according to new research commissioned by SecondBite.

In the last 12 months, one in four respondents (25%) or more than five million Australians say that the food they bought ran out before they had enough money to get more, while 30% of those surveyed or around six million Australians were worried it was going to happen to them.   

The research reveals that young people, singles and parents are most affected and struggling to sufficiently fill their pantries.  

SecondBite CEO Daniel Moorfield says the organisation is experiencing unprecedented demand for its services as too many hardworking Australians are struggling to put food on the table.    

“Our research found Aussies are stressed about the lack of food in their cupboard with many having to go hungry before their pay cheque comes in,” he says.

“An alarming 76% of the charities we work with cited an increase in demand for their services compared to the year prior. Sadly, two in five have had to turn people away and one in five have had to waitlist requests.”

Every day, SecondBite collects more than 69,000 kilograms of surplus fruit and vegetables and every week, through over 1000 charity partners, the food relief organisation provides this food to over 500,000 Australians. It also provides baked goods, meat, dairy products, pre-prepared meals from FareShare, and pantry staples.   

SecondBite is calling for tax deductable donations before EOFY that will be matched by The Hupert Family Foundation.   

“As demand for donated produce and pantry staples increases, donating before ahead of 30 June means you can claim it on tax and also double your impact, supporting thousands of Aussies who need to supplement their household meals,” says Mr Moorfield.