The Foodbank Hunger Report 2018 released on Sunday revealed people living in regional and remote areas were 33 per cent more likely to go hungry than those living in capital and major cities.  

Survey responses showed living in a regional or remote area often meant it was harder to access food.

One in six people living in the country suggest they don’t have easy access to food shops compared to one in 10 in the city.

Survey results also revealed those experiencing food insecurity in the country were more likely to feel socially isolated compared to those living in the city.

Only a third of Australians in the country feel they can talk to their friends and family when they cannot afford to buy enough food compared to 43 per cent of those living in major and capital cities. 

Foodbank works with charities across Victoria – including Uniting Ballarat – to get food to people in need.

It provided 2942 kilograms to Uniting Ballarat last year.

Uniting Ballarat crisis support coordinator Naomi Bailey said the organisation assists more than 500 people a week, through the Breezeway Meals Program and emergency food relief. 

Foodbank Victoria chief executive Dave McNamara said many charities were under strain from increased demand and lack of resources.

“We’ve got more people struggling to make ends meet and when times are tough, food becomes discretionary. People are going hungry in order to pay their bills. Children are going without food,” he said.

The Hunger Report found the high cost of living and low incomes were the main reasons people were unable to afford food.

Almost three in five food insecure Australians spent more than 20 per cent of their total household income on food, compared to 10 per cent for the average household.

READ MORE ‘Wake up call’ film generates deeper understanding of food insecurity

At least once a week, 54 per cent of those surveyed skipped meals and 26 per cent went an entire day without eating at all.

The report also revealed declining mental health, lethargy and feelings of shame as some of the impacts of food insecurity.

The Ballarat Foundation is continuing a funding campaign to set up a Foodbank distribution hub in Ballarat. 

Ballarat Foundation chief executive Matt Jenkins said government funding was needed to proceed with construction plans. 

READ MORE Foodbank to set up first regional distribution hub in Ballarat

Masterplan documents are in progress for a food distribution hub at a specific site at BWEZ. 

Run Ballarat is a major fundraising event. Mr Jenkins is calling on community members to register to help the fundraising effort.

You can read the full report online. 

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