 Anna*, a single parent juggling two jobs, clutches her meagre grocery list: “Rent took everything this week. We’ll manage with noodles, but what about my kids?” Her story echoes through thousands of WA households, caught in a cruel vice of soaring rent and empty cupboards. The 2023 WACOSS Cost of Living Report shows what we’ve been saying for months: that surging rent prices are pushing households, particularly those on fixed incomes and government support, to the brink. Here’s what the latest data means for Western Australians.
 The cost-of-living crisis has seen the need for food relief soar. We are helping 80% more people than from just two years ago. Kiah is one of them. Kiah is a mum of three young children. She has recently also taken in her two young nieces. And helps support and care for her father with Type 1 diabetes. To look after five young children, Kiah had to reduce her hours at work, stepping away from a good paying job as a full-time venue manager. As more families tighten their belts the hospitality industry has been hit hard and Kiah’s hours have been a little scarce lately. “Foodbank has really helped as we have been able to manage getting our fresh produce, things that we make for soups and stews. Fruit snacks keep it healthy for the girls. Much better with the fruit and veg through Foodbank it helps bulk up our meals.“ Every day we help 740 families, just like Kiah’s. Can you help Kiah’s and other families like hers? Donate today.
 From your pantry to their plateWestern Australia, you delivered big this Christmas. More than just cookies and carols, your Christmas food drives gifted 4.5 tonnes of hope. From everyday members of the community to workplaces, local families to even Government House, the generosity of everyone in Western Australia really shone through. Speaking of Government House, the Governor and Mrs Dawson, pictured, as Co-Patrons are committed supporters of our efforts to get food and groceries to those most in need. Taking their support even further, they and Government House stepped up to hold a food drive bringing in donations of food and groceries from all corners of the world. Keen to learn more about how food drives like yours really helped? Keep on reading: Those boxes of apples? They’ll be packed into fresh fruit hampers for children who might not otherwise have a healthy snack. The bags of rice and pasta? They’ll become nourishing meals for families struggling to make ends meet. Still keen to feed change throughout 2024? Hunger doesn’t stop now that the festive season has, so why not hold a food drive or fundraiser to celebrate your upcoming birthdays, milestones or events through our Community Hub?
 Hearts and Minds from Business NewsOur friends at Business News continue to shine a light on important topics related to food relief, our work in the not-for-profit sector and the support being provided to those most in need. Recently they’ve covered topics like: Time, treasure and talent; ways to give to people in need Financial literacy gap impacts older women Bannister Downs expands Foodbank WA milk donations Helping everyone have a happy holiday
Crunchy Noodle SaladGet stuck into Summer with a delicious and healthy salad option. Perfect as a main or served on the side, Crunchy Noodle Salad is always a fan and family favourite.
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