The plight of our senior citizens experiencing food insecurity is indeed a disheartening reality that many face. On any given Saturday morning at Agape, a food support organisation, a row of coloured shopping bags tied to the handrail leading up to the front door can be seen. Seniors start lining up as early as 6 am, waiting for food support. Since Agape opens at 10 am, the wait can be quite long, prompting them to tie their bags to the handrail to reserve their place in line.
These individuals, who have contributed to society for years, unfortunately, find themselves in a vulnerable position, struggling to meet their basic nutritional needs.
Food insecurity among seniors in Australia is a growing concern. According to a report published by Foodbank Australia in 2022, approximately 2 million people in Australia experienced food insecurity in the last year, and 25% of them were seniors. The report also highlighted that seniors often worry about running out of food before they have enough money to buy more.
The causes of food insecurity among seniors are multifaceted. Limited incomes, rising costs of living, medical expenses, and lack of access to transportation all contribute to their ongoing struggle. Consequently, they are compelled to rely on food outreach programs such as Agape as a crucial lifeline. However, it is worth noting that these programs are NOT government funded and often run by volunteers.
It would indeed be great if there were more support for these programs, as they not only assist our most vulnerable citizens but also contribute to reducing food waste by utilizing surplus and reduced foods. Additionally, promoting environmentally sustainable practices within these programs can have a positive impact on the broader community and ecosystem.
