As Christmas approaches, new data highlights the increased financial pressure many families are under.

A study by St Vincent De Paul reveals that 52 per cent of Australians feel more financially stressed than they did last Christmas. And 57 per cent say that they will need to prioritise essential expenses over Christmas shopping this year.

This increased financial stress on families has been felt by food relief services around the region, with support groups reporting greater numbers seeking help.

In the last financial year, Shepparton Foodshare gave out 700,000kg of food, an increase of 46% on the previous financial year and a 50% increase on the year to date.

Shepparton Salvation Army’s Scott Smallacombe said reports of increased financial stress did not surprise him.

“We’ve had people lowering their expectations for Christmas but also the week,” he said.

According to Shepparton Foodshare, many of the people asking for help now have never asked for help before.

Shepparton Foodshare chief executive Dee Healey said those asking for help for the first time included single parents and older people.

And Mr Smallacombe said his service was seeing a lot more working people.

“People who have solid work who have never used a service are coming to our service,” he said.

He said he was even seeing some couples on two incomes who were struggling to keep up with mortgage or rent payments and other expenses.

In addition, some families who relied on Christmas casual work are also finding it isn’t available this year, as retailers are expecting a softer trading season.

In the lead-up to Christmas, Ms Healey said she expected demand for food relief to increase, with the causes of food insecurity still present.

“At the moment, the cost-of-living pressures aren’t going anywhere, we’ve just had another interest rate rise,” she said.

Despite the tough economic climate, both organisations are doing what they can to ensure those doing it tough can experience a little Christmas cheer.

Shepparton Foodshare is hoping to be able to distribute Christmas hampers to those in need.

Meanwhile, the Salvation Army will be supplying vulnerable children under 12 with toys and a small voucher in the lead-up to Christmas.

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Sunday, 8th April 2029

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