"Food insecurity affects more people than commonly perceived and requires collective action. This is not about handouts; it's about making sure our neighbours in Strathfield do not sleep on empty tummies."

Food insecurity an issue in Strathfield, NSW, affecting both homeowners and renters alike. It undermines the well-being and stability of the community, impacting families and individuals who are struggling to access nutritious and sufficient food on a regular basis. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2025) published data for 2023, showing that 13.2% Australians faced food insecurity, while Foodbank (2025) reveals 32% faced the challenge in 2025. Stinson, & Rochester (2025, p. 35) reveal that 38% of Australians are currently concerned about their ability to meet their mortgage or rent payments. 

“When rent goes up or interest rates increase, food is often one of the first things sacrificed. We’re seeing people make impossible choices between paying for housing or putting food on the table.” said John Robertson, CEO of Foodbank NSW & ACT (Hathaway-Wilson, 2024). This should not be the reality for anyone living in a developed region like ours.

Key message for homeowners and renters: "Your voice matters! No one in Strathfield should choose between a roof on head and food on the plate because of housing or cost pressures. Join us in advocating for better food access."
To tackle this pressing issue, we call upon Starthfield Council, the NSW Government, community organisations, and concerned residents to take concrete actions. We propose the following measures:

To commit to pilot a six-month Strathfield Local Food Security Plan for supporting households in hunger crisis. 

To achieve this, the advocacy calls for the following, specifically: 

1.      Funding to establish a permanent Community Food Hub (including distribution centre and community kitchens) for free to affordable food access with a secure annual dedicated budget.

2.      Speeding up the St Merkorious Food Distribution Centre & Sustainable Community Garden Project as a community-based food security initiative.

3.      Raising awareness by providing information in multilingual campaigns via the Strathfield Council’s website about food access and confidentiality for affected households.

4.      Creating formal referral pathways between housing support services and food assistance to prioritise households in rental or mortgage stress.

5.      Improving cross-sector collaboration by committing to establish a working group of Strathfield Council, DCJ, and community food relief providers and households with lived experiences of hunger.

We urge you to join us in this vital cause to eliminate food insecurity in Strathfield. By signing this petition, you are taking a stand for a healthier, more supportive community, where every resident has access to the food they need to lead a healthy life. Let’s work together to ensure food security for all in Strathfield.