Single parents hit hardest as food insecurity spreads across Australia
Research shows severe food insecurity rose from 2.1% to 3% of Australians between 2020 and 2024, with single-parent families most affected.
A study of around 15,000 Australians in the HILDA survey reveals a sharp increase in severe food insecurity, when people cut meals, skip food or go without eating. The rate climbed from 2.1% in 2020 to 3% in 2024.
Single-parent families with children were hit hardest, jumping from 11.57% to 13.68%. Perth more than doubled from 1.35% to 2.79%, and Adelaide reached the highest rate at 4.70% in 2024.
Sydney and Melbourne also recorded increases. Couples with children saw a nearly 87% jump.
Single parents often cover housing, utilities, childcare and food on one income, with caring duties making it hard to work longer hours. Food insecurity carries lasting health and wellbeing effects, not just immediate financial strain.
- 2.1% to 3%
- National increase
- 11.57% to 13.68%
- Single parents affected
- 4.70%
- Adelaide rate in 2024
- Around 15,000 Australians
- Survey sample size
Why it mattersGrowing numbers of Australians cannot reliably afford enough food, signalling that wages and support are not keeping pace with rising costs.
AustraliaMillions of Australian families now face food insecurity, with the problem deepest in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney, affecting everyday people's ability to feed themselves and their children.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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