Hunger on the Risw

STRUGGLING homeowners and women fleeing violent relationships are among the rising numbers of Victorians unable to feed themselves and their families, charities say.

Cost of living pressures are hitting so hard that 60 per cent of people now accessing one Melbourne food relief service own their own home or rent.

The figure dispels conceptions that only the homeless are hungry as welfare agencies battle to meet demand across a broader cross-section of the community.

And they are expecting demand to increase following the Federal Budget.

FareShare, which provides meals from unwanted supermarket food, says despite doubling kitchen production last year, 70 per cent of agencies needed more meals.

CEO Marcus Godhino said some parents were skipping meals to ensure their children are fed.

“There’s a real anxiety among the charities we cook for especially after the Federal budget,’’ said FareShare CEO Marcus Godinho.

“They’ve already experienced a big increase in the number of people turning to them for help. “What many have seen is more of the working poor, families turning to charities who would not have in years gone by, trying to stretch their budgets to three meals a day.’’

Foodbank Victoria is also battling to provide enough supplies to families who need it.

Each month 125,000 Victorians depend on the service, including an increasing number of women victims of family violence.

The not-for-profit has launched an appeal to raise enough to feed 4000 families for a week this winter.

“Just $25 can feed a family of four for a week,” said chief executive David McNamara.

In 2012-13 Foodbank Victoria distributed 9.9 million meals, but that was still not enough to meet demand with an estimated 11,000 Victorians seeking food relief every month but not getting it.

Foodbank relied on public donations, Mr McNamara said.

“Every dollar that is donated allows Foodbank Victoria to distribute $7 worth of food to families in need.”

Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service chief executive Annette Gillespie said women in safe housing often depend on Foodbank to survive.

“Women leaving violent relationships often have to leave in a hurry without any clothing, food or essential items,” she said

FareShare is calling for donations of rice, fresh and frozen vegetables, pasta, canned and dried legumes, cream, coconut milk, dried herbs and spices.