Two out of three Australian food charities cannot help people in need due to limitations.

It's a heartbreaking scene that we often associate with war-torn countries or those facing famine: people lining up for hours just to get fresh fruits and vegetables, families going days without food, and children being kept home from school because their parents can't afford to pack them a lunch. However, a recent survey has revealed that this is not happening in some distant land, but right here in Australia.

According to the survey conducted by OzHarvest, the country's largest food rescue organization, the demand for food relief in Australia has reached an all-time high. Shockingly, two-thirds of the charities responsible for providing food are being forced to turn away hungry individuals due to a lack of resources. This is a dire situation that highlights the toll that the cost of living crisis is having on the most vulnerable members of our society.

OzHarvest founder, Ronni Kahn, expressed her shock at the survey's results, but also noted that it was not entirely surprising. She explained that while they are delivering over half a million meals every week, it is simply not enough to meet the growing demand. Many charities are doing their best to feed everyone, but they are often faced with the heartbreaking decision of turning people away because they don't have enough food to go around.

Kahn also revealed that the majority of charities could easily double their efforts to meet the demand for food relief. This is a concerning fact, especially as more and more families with two working parents are turning to charities for support. It's a heartbreaking reality that parents are forced to keep their children home from school because they can't afford to pack them a lunch.

One mother, Marika from Western Australia, shared her struggle of trying to provide for her two children amidst the rising cost of living. She relies on OzHarvest's weekly food delivery to ensure her children have enough to eat. In Brisbane, Jimmy from Community Friends West End reported that residents are waiting in line for up to two hours just to get fresh fruits and vegetables. He described the desperation of people who are struggling to survive and make ends meet.

The survey also revealed that three-quarters of the charities have seen an increase in demand for food in the past year, with almost a third of those seeking help doing so for the first time. This is a significant jump from last year, where 47% of charities reported not being able to meet the demand for their services. Now, that number has risen to 67%.

OzHarvest estimates that at least 30,000 Australians go without food every month, but there are likely thousands more who are not asking for help. This is a concerning statistic that highlights the severity of the food insecurity crisis in Australia. Community worker Viele from Melbourne shared that they often encounter people who haven't eaten in days, and the simple act of providing them with a hot meal can make a world of difference. It's a heartbreaking reality, but one that needs to be addressed and solved.

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