Anglicare is currently trialling a new way to provide people struggling on low incomes with affordable food. For the next few months, people will be able to access around $60 worth of pantry items for only $10 a bag at several of our shops via the Community Pantry program.
“This is a new way we’re able to extend the reach of our care into local communities,” says Anglicare Sydney’s Head of Retail, Stephen Kuo.
“There are many in our community, not on supported incomes, who are still struggling to pay the bills. Being able to access affordable groceries at our op shops will enable them to have food on the table that week. This is a way to support people who may be struggling financially even if they don’t hold a social security card.”
Stephen highlights that the new program may be useful particularly in the coming colder months when electricity bills might be higher.
“We want to provide people with easier access to affordable food in local communities through our op shops.” Mr Kuo explains.
The Welfare Reform Bill passed both houses on 27 March 2018 making life harder for people living below the poverty line. More than 80,000 people around Australia will be affected.
Approximately 13,800 people may have to wait six months before accessing an income support payment after doubling the Liquid Assets Waiting Period. Compliance rules for people seeking work has been changed, which will cut social security payments for 83,000 people. The Energy Supplement will be cut, affecting 1.7 million people receiving income support payments. The Pensioner Education Supplement will be cut, affecting 39,700 people, including single parents, Disability Support Pensioners and Carers. The Education Entry Payment, affecting 56,100 people, will also be cut and some migrants, about 2,300 people, may have to wait up to 15 years for a pension.
“We are concerned that further cuts to income support are going to create more food insecure families. We already see some parents skipping meals so their children can eat. The last thing we want to see is more people going hungry to pay their bills,” says Mr Kuo.
The Anglicare stores currently trialling the Community Pantry program are: