Food Insecurity in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven

The "Let’s Talk About Food" survey, conducted with >600 households in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions assessed food insecurity, and use of food relief.

• Food Insecurity Prevalence: Over a third (38%) of Illawarra and Shoalhaven households experience food insecurity, with 19% moderately and 12% severely affected, including 30% of households with children.

• Food Relief Access: Only 23% of severely food-insecure households and 10% of moderately food-insecure households accessed emergency food relief.

Our findings highlight the urgency for local policy and community action to address food insecurity and improve access to nutritious, affordable food for vulnerable groups. These survey findings have spurred the establishment of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Food Futures Taskforce, a network of health experts and community advocates working collaboratively to promote a healthier, more accessible regional food system.