Tens of thousands of Australians are falling through the cracks each month in what is being labelled a “national emergency hiding in plain sight”.

OzHarvest’s recent survey of frontline charities has revealed that 50,000 individuals are being turned away from food charities each month this year — a 54 percent rise from the 32,467 individuals turned away per month in 2024.

It found 31 per cent of people seeking food assistance were doing so for the first time, with families and single parents being the largest groups.

“This is a national emergency hiding in plain sight,” OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn said.

“We are in the midst of a national food security crisis.

“Driven by the escalating cost of living, stagnant wages, and surging housing costs and energy bills, Australians are sacrificing food just to get by.”

The survey indicated that 77 percent of charities noted an increase in the number of people needing food last year, with 72 percent of charities requiring more food to meet demand.

South Australia saw the highest surge in demand of 82 per cent, followed by Victoria with 81 per cent, Queensland with 79 per cent and New South Wales with 78 per cent.

“Every day we’re out in communities across Australia supporting 1550 charities that are stretched beyond their limits, as the gap between demand and resources keeps widening,” Kahn said.

“In addition, we have 1200 charities on the waitlist to receive food.”

OzHarvest is calling for the government to create a minister for food position to coordinate food security, food waste and food system solutions.

The organisation is asking for sustainable and ongoing funding for essential food rescue and relief, and meaningful cost-of-living interventions.

“The math is heartbreaking. Our sector provides 160 million meals annually, but it’s nowhere near enough,” Kahn said.

“Government failure to support those doing it toughest is deeply disappointing.

“This crisis demands immediate action — we need funding to feed people today, but we need leadership and policy change to ensure no one goes hungry tomorrow.

“This is above politics — this is people’s lives.”