Christmas 2023 message: Foodbank Geraldton’s Jamie O’Brien urges fortunate families to donate this Xmas

Families right across WA are feeling the cost-of-living pressure and are reaching out to Foodbank for help. It’s no longer just the interest rate rises we have had, it’s fuel and the high grocery prices that are also impacting everyday West Aussies. In all, 388,000 households in our State went hungry this year, with over half of them holding down jobs. This isn’t about a lack of hard work or responsibility; it’s about a system that’s simply failing too many people. We believe that everyone should have access to healthy food. We provide food and essentials to those who need it, it’s not all we do. Because food is more than a necessity. It gives hope to those who are doing it tough. There are 120,000 children living in severely food-insecure households in WA. Parents will often skip meals, sometimes for a whole day, just so their children can eat. If you are struggling to put food on the table this Christmas, please reach out for help. If you are in the fortunate position to have a little extra to give, then please consider a gift this Christmas. For every dollar donated Foodbank can provide two meals to those doing it tough. For more information, please visit foodbank.org.au.