Northern Territory

The Facts

Home / Hunger in Northern Territory / The Facts

Are there really hungry people in Northern Territory?

Yes there are, but hunger is largely a hidden social problem and many victims suffer in silence. 15% of people in Australia experience Food insecurity

Despite almost two decades of economic growth nearly a quarter of the population still live in low economic resource households and many live below the poverty line. The prices of essentials like food, health, education, housing, utilities and transport have climbed so much in recent years that people who are already struggling are susceptible to sudden bill shock and financial disadvantage. The current economic climate means people are turning to charity who would never have dreamed of seeking such support in the past. So it’s not just traditionally vulnerable groups such as the homeless seeking food relief, but also the aged, single parents and the working poor.

Some statistics about the unlucky people in our lucky country:

17,009

people are currently homeless in Northern Territory

1 in 6

NT children do not have breakfast

13%

more people are seeking food relief in 2017 – the highest in Australia

6,581

Number of people helped each month by Foodbank NT

50%

Additional food required to meet total demand in the NT

REFERENCES