Cost-of-Living Crisis Forces Vulnerable Australians to Resort to Dumpster Diving
A survey by The Salvation Army reveals alarming trends among disadvantaged Australians struggling to meet basic needs amid rising living costs.
A recent survey conducted by The Salvation Army has highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable Australians.
It found that approximately 5% of respondents reported resorting to eating food retrieved from dumpsters.
The survey, which included 3,586 individuals who have utilized food, financial, or material assistance from the charity, underscores the pervasive struggle among disadvantaged populations in Australia.
Among families with children, the survey revealed alarming statistics, with 62% of parents indicating they had gone without food to ensure their children had enough to eat.
Furthermore, over 40% of those surveyed reported being unable to afford essential items, such as baby formula and nappies, while a third faced challenges in covering the costs of basic non-prescription medications, including widely-used pain relievers.
The financial strain on many respondents led to significant lifestyle changes; 43% stated they were showering less to conserve water, and 20% reported intentionally living without electricity to cut down utility bills.
The data also indicated that one-third of those surveyed had to rely on buy-now-pay-later services to manage the costs of necessities like food and medicine.
One affected individual, a working 30-year-old mother, expressed feelings of failure due to her inability to provide for her family despite being employed as a public servant.
She mentioned contemplating quitting her job to reduce expenses related to commuting and childcare.
Major Bruce Harmer from The Salvation Army expressed deep concern over these findings, stating the situation illustrated the heartbreaking reality faced by many in Australia.
He emphasized that no individual should have to resort to consuming expired food or rummaging through rubbish bins for sustenance.
These revelations coincide with the launch of The Salvation Army's annual Red Shield Appeal, which seeks to raise $38 million to sustain its 2,000 services across Australia, aimed at supporting those experiencing hardship.
It found that approximately 5% of respondents reported resorting to eating food retrieved from dumpsters.
The survey, which included 3,586 individuals who have utilized food, financial, or material assistance from the charity, underscores the pervasive struggle among disadvantaged populations in Australia.
Among families with children, the survey revealed alarming statistics, with 62% of parents indicating they had gone without food to ensure their children had enough to eat.
Furthermore, over 40% of those surveyed reported being unable to afford essential items, such as baby formula and nappies, while a third faced challenges in covering the costs of basic non-prescription medications, including widely-used pain relievers.
The financial strain on many respondents led to significant lifestyle changes; 43% stated they were showering less to conserve water, and 20% reported intentionally living without electricity to cut down utility bills.
The data also indicated that one-third of those surveyed had to rely on buy-now-pay-later services to manage the costs of necessities like food and medicine.
One affected individual, a working 30-year-old mother, expressed feelings of failure due to her inability to provide for her family despite being employed as a public servant.
She mentioned contemplating quitting her job to reduce expenses related to commuting and childcare.
Major Bruce Harmer from The Salvation Army expressed deep concern over these findings, stating the situation illustrated the heartbreaking reality faced by many in Australia.
He emphasized that no individual should have to resort to consuming expired food or rummaging through rubbish bins for sustenance.
These revelations coincide with the launch of The Salvation Army's annual Red Shield Appeal, which seeks to raise $38 million to sustain its 2,000 services across Australia, aimed at supporting those experiencing hardship.
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