Increasing Challenges for Food Charities in Queensland
Food charities across Queensland are facing a growing crisis as rising demand, tighter food supplies, and higher operational costs make it increasingly difficult to maintain their essential services. This challenge is particularly evident in the northern regions of the state, where one long-standing provider has been forced to close its doors.
Recent national data highlights that this strain is part of a broader trend driven by household financial stress, soaring fuel prices, and rising food insecurity. With more families struggling to afford basic necessities, the pressure on food charities is intensifying.
So Many Requests for Help
On the Sunshine Coast, Urban Angels delivers approximately 13,000 meals to vulnerable individuals each month. Founder Birgit Sowden noted a significant increase in demand since December, with “so many new requests for help.” She described how some recipients become overwhelmed when receiving assistance, often breaking down emotionally.
Jenny, who prefers to keep her last name private, relies on Urban Angels’ support while raising her grandson in a caravan park. “I don’t know what I’d do without them,” she said. The groceries provided by the charity help stretch meals at home. For example, when they receive apples, Jenny makes apple pancakes and pies for her grandson. When vegetables like spinach are delivered, she incorporates them into meals without him realizing.
Jenny’s situation is not unique. The national Foodbank Hunger Report 2025 found that about one in three households experienced some level of food insecurity in the past year, largely due to cost-of-living pressures. In Townsville, 43% of households were deemed “food insecure” last year, with regional areas generally experiencing higher rates than urban centers.
In Cairns, Mission Australia’s Hambledon House reported a dramatic rise in emergency food relief requests. More “working poor” families are seeking help as they struggle to manage the costs of rent and groceries, placing additional pressure on community services.
Strain on Charities
A 2025 State of the Sector report by the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) revealed that 80% of organizations providing community support reported a significant increase in demand over the past year, with 90% unable to meet current needs. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission commissioner, Sue Woodward, confirmed that demand for essential services continues to rise, sometimes faster than charities can manage.
Smaller charities, in particular, are struggling with revenue, donations, and staffing. “Smaller charities [are] not faring as well when it comes to revenue, donations … and paid staff,” she said.
For Urban Angels, rising ingredient and operating costs have forced the charity to reduce meal output by 2,000 per month. However, Ms. Sowden emphasized that they will not turn anyone away. Despite the challenges, she encourages people to seek help if they need it.
Closure of Key Services
In Gympie, about 80 kilometers north of the Sunshine Coast, the food charity Victory Care closed its doors after 16 years. Pastor George Miller of Victory Church explained that rising costs, including petrol and supply expenses, made it unsustainable for the local church to continue. The service, which supported 300 vulnerable people, has left a gap in the community.
“In some towns, there are other charities, but in Gympie, there’s nowhere else,” he said. Similarly, Life Care’s food pantry in Mundubbera faced similar challenges. Pastor Alan Cowburn noted that securing grants and government funding was extremely difficult, though assistance from Gateway Care has helped them stay afloat for now.
Funding Challenges
Gateway Care, which has supported over 40,000 families on the Sunshine Coast over 25 years, had hoped to secure government funding to continue its work. Managing director Tom Lew mentioned that a $5 million pre-election LNP funding commitment in 2024 was highly anticipated. However, as of 2026, no funds have been received.
A spokesperson for Queensland’s Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety stated that efforts to deliver the previously announced $5 million funding commitment to Gateway Care are ongoing. They also acknowledged the increased demand for food assistance across the state.
The department highlighted that $3.57 million over two years from 2024-25 has strengthened SecondBite and OzHarvest food relief capacity statewide, while $2.88 million over four years has supported Foodbank Queensland infrastructure upgrades.
