COST OF LIVING CRISIS: 77% of Australia's hardest hit will go without food this Christmas, Salvation Army research finds

For 15.7 million Aussies (61%), Christmas will be anything but joyous due to the impact of the rising cost of living, according to new Salvation Army research. This follows a challenging year that has included record-high inflation, an unprecedented eighth interest rate rise in as many months and devastating natural disasters.

The Salvation Army commissioned two pieces of research; the first surveyed 1,450 people who have sought support through The Salvos Doorways Emergency Relief Services^* and the second external research surveyed the general public.^**

Almost all Salvation Army clients surveyed (99%) are worried about how they will afford Christmas this year, and sadly 6 in 10 (62%) will struggle to afford presents for their children.

The external research found 3 in 10 Australians will struggle to pay for utilities this Christmas and this rises to 55% amongst those who access The Salvation Army’s services.

“The Salvation Army is experiencing a tsunami of need. As you read and hear about these dreadful statistics, we are on the frontline seeing the people behind the numbers and hearing their stories,” said The Salvation Army’s Major Bruce Harmer. “We are deeply concerned to hear about the agonising choices every-day Australians are making, such as deciding whether to pay an electricity bill or buy a Christmas present for their child.

“Others are choosing to go without food and medication to ensure their children have food on the table. And the guilt and emotional toll of not being able to provide the basics for their family is the real but often hidden cost of financial hardship.”

The Salvation Army’s internal survey of clients found:

• 73% said their primary issue leading into Christmas was financial concerns 
• 77% are struggling to afford enough food to eat this Christmas
• 69% of single parents rate their financial situation as poor leading into Christmas
• More than 4 in 5 (82%) households with children responded that they were worried about affording presents for their children this Christmas
• 82% of single parent households are struggling to afford enough food to eat
• 51% did not feel good about themselves, 44% did not feel important to others, 43% did not feel hopeful and 39% are not looking forward to the future
• 1 in 5 (19%) will spend Christmas alone this year, with those aged 55+ almost twice as likely to be alone this Christmas

PureProfile’s survey of the general public found:

• Over half of Australians (52%) are more stressed about their finances this year compared to last year
• 3.9 million Australians (15%) are concerned about their children missing out on presents this Christmas, and 1.7 million (7%) are concerned their children will miss out on food
• 5.4 million Australians (21%) are worried about how they will afford enough food at Christmas
• 41% of Australians are more concerned about paying for Christmas expenses this year compared to previous years
• 1 in 4 Australians are concerned about affording their rent/mortgage repayments
• 28% of Australians will be going into debt to pay for Christmas (Afterpay, buy-now, pay-later, credit cards)
• 1 in 4 Australians have been significantly impacted by rising interest rates
• 8.6 million (34%) have been significantly impacted by loneliness, anxiety, depression or stress

“These statistics clearly show the dire impact that the cost of living is having on Australians across the country,” Major Harmer said. “They also show that over 2.5 million (10%) will be reaching out to a charity for support this Christmas. We feel privileged to walk alongside people during their time of need, to provide practical support when it is needed most and to offer hope during the festive season and beyond.”
Learn more about the cost of living crisis in Australia

“We don’t want anyone to feel like they are alone this Christmas. We encourage anyone who needs support to reach out; there is no shame in asking for help. If you are feeling lonely and isolated, struggling to make ends meet or in need of a hand this Christmas, the Salvos are here for you.”

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal is aiming to raise $23 million to ensure we can continue our vital work across the country, supporting Aussies in need. The Salvos cannot continue this important work without the generosity of the Australian public.

This Christmas The Salvos will:^***

• Distribute more than 64,000 hampers and vouchers to those struggling to make ends meet at Christmas time
• Give out hundreds of thousands of gifts and toys to families to ensure that no child goes without a present under the tree on Christmas Day
• Provide more than 136,000 meals across the country during the Christmas period through our homelessness services
• Provide more than 68,000 beds for those in need of accommodation during the festive season

“The Salvos are hearing from people that they are feeling overwhelmed, lonely, stressed and sad. If you can, we encourage you to support our Christmas Appeal and help us ensure that everyone has food on the table and kids have a present under the tree on Christmas Day,” said Major Harmer.

To leave no one in need this Christmas, please donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal

_{* The Salvation Army’s (TSA) Christmas 2022 poll research aims to understand general sentiment, worries, and circumstances of people who have accessed TSA’s Doorways Emergency Relief (ER) services for the upcoming Christmas season. A total of 1,450 individuals completed the poll.}

_{** A Pureprofile survey for The Salvation Army surveyed 2,015 people in a nationally representative sample size, and this has been extrapolated to reflect the general Australian population.}

_{***The Salvation Army PRSJ, 2022}