Cost-of-living crisis forces regional South Australians into food insecurity and debt

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3 days ago

Richard and Kimberly Byers's lives fell apart quickly.
It started when Mr Byers was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
He was forced to temporarily shut his small business, which sold artificial flowers and farm fencing, in Adelaide while he received treatment, dipping into his superannuation to cover bills and other living costs.
By the time he could reopen, his customer base had disappeared. Soon, so too had the couple's savings.
Then, Mrs Byers suffered a spinal injury that needed emergency surgery.
Eight months on and still unable to work, the Byers could not even afford groceries.
In a bid to try and keep their heads above water, they sold their Adelaide home and moved 150 kilometres away to the small town of Snowtown, in the hope it would be more affordable.
But then the drought hit it, and prices rose.
Mr Byers's business still wouldn't pick up. He resorted to selling off stock to try and cover living expenses and their medical bills, but their debts continue to spiral.
"Pride kept me from [asking for help], most probably; I've never asked anybody for anything in all my life."
Isolated and struggling more than ever, Mrs Byers sought help from the hunger relief charity Foodbank.
It was a difficult pill for Mr Byers to swallow after a lifetime of running his own business and being financially secure.
"But by that point, we were in a situation where we really had no choice," he said.
Two years on, the Byers are still reliant on Foodbank, and while they are still struggling, they have found a sense of community through the charity.
The stress from struggling to afford essentials has also lessened.
While the Byers's story is one filled with extremes, it is not uncommon, according to Foodbank.
Based on the charity's annual survey, the Hunger Report, about 3.4 million people are struggling with food insecurity across the country.
In South Australia, more than 140,000 people seek food relief each month — many juggling rising bills, and medical and food costs.
More than 60 per cent of people receiving that food assistance have jobs, and more than 30 per cent have mortgages.
Traditionally, those who sought help from Foodbank were viewed as already vulnerable members of society due to housing insecurity or substance abuse issues, Foodbank SA and NT chief executive Greg Pattinson said.
But that has changed dramatically during the cost-of-living crisis, he said.
"It is no longer just the realms of homeless people or unemployed people with addiction issues, or any of those myriad of issues that cause problems," Mr Pattinson said.
"They're certainly still there, but by and large, the single biggest cause now of food insecurity is cost of living."
According to the latest Australia Bureau of Statistics data, all household types saw rises in quarterly living costs in June 2025.
But, as with most issues, those costs are disproportionately affecting regional areas where more than 37 per cent of households now contend with food insecurity.
While May and June were record months for food distribution from Foodbank SA, that demand was highest in regional Australia, where people are 33 per cent more likely to experience food insecurity than those living in the cities.
"There's multiple reasons why," Mr Pattinson said.
"The lack of job opportunities, the costs of food and groceries, and just basic supplies is very expensive in some parts of Australia.
"The government, we know they're well aware of it, but it's a bit like turning the Titanic; it is a big, broad turning circle, and it takes a lot of time to do it.
"It's not something that can happen overnight. We're well aware that our services are going to be required for quite some time yet."
Foodbank often asks people using its service if they are willing to share their stories — rarely do they agree.
The Byers said they were ashamed when they first started using the service; they had always been people who donated time to charities, not ones who needed their help.
But they changed their minds at the thought their story might help others who were struggling and feeling isolated.
The couple's story, when it was shared by Foodbank, saw the charity receive the most donations it had in years, Mr Pattinson said.
In Clare, where the Byers drive 35 minutes each way to get their groceries from a Foodbank Mobile Food Hub, the site has had record days of demand — as has every Foodbank site in the state.
The Foodbank Mobile Hub — a van filled with produce that travels to the town every month — attracts people from across the region.
In late July, demand was high, with about 100 people dropping in for their groceries.
The Byers know many of them and their stories.
"Whether the medical stuff or having kids or the rent prices.
"Everyone has their stories; they're here for the same reason.
"Any way we can help is enough."