by Nicholas Fuller, Canberra Weekly, April 2026

Preface by Mohammed Ali, Chair HelpingACT:

Cost-of-living pressures are pushing more Canberra families toward food insecurity

For several years, the rising cost of living in Canberra and across Australia has steadily increased pressure on households. Today, more families than ever are struggling to manage the basic necessities of life — particularly food and housing. 

Late last year, I spoke with Nick Fuller from Canberra Weekly about highlighting the growing impact of cost-of-living pressures on community wellbeing. The goal was to raise awareness and encourage a broader discussion among Canberra charities working on the front line of food relief. Nick expanded the idea by speaking with more than ten major charities across the region to understand the new challenges they are facing, how they are responding, and what support they believe is needed.

What we are seeing is deeply concerning. Every month, new families are reaching out for food assistance. Many of them are employed but still unable to keep up with rising expenses. Rent or mortgage payments consume a large share of household income, leaving little room for essential needs such as food. For these families, life has become a constant balancing act between paying bills and putting meals on the table.

At HelpingACT, we witness this reality every day through our community food programs. These include weekly community meals; school breakfast initiatives; food relief for refugees and asylum seekers; occasional assistance to university students; and support for local food pantries. Demand across all these services continues to grow.