Still serving hot soup? Two hundred years of a charitable food sector in Australia: a narrative review

Abstract

Objective: Despite the importance of the charitable food sector for a proportion of the Australian population, there is uncertainty about its present and future contributions to wellbeing. This paper describes its nature and examines its scope for improving health and food security. Methods:The review, using systematic methods for public health research, identified peerreviewed and grey literature relevant to Australian charitable food programs (2002 to 2012).Results: Seventy publications met the criteria and informed this paper. The sector includes food banks, more than 3,000 community agencies and 800 school breakfast programs. It provides food for up to two million people annually. The scope extends beyond emergency food relief and includes case management, advocacy and other support. Weaknesses include a food supply that is sub-optimal, resource limitations and lack of evidence to evaluate or support their work towards food security. Conclusions:The sector supports people experiencing disadvantage and involves multiple organisations, working in a variety of settings, to provide food for up to 8% of the population. The limits on the sector's capacity to address food insecurity by itself must be acknowledged so that civil society, government and the food industry can support sufficient, nutritious and affordable food for all.

Skipping breakfast among 8-9 year old children is associated with teacher-reported but not objectively measured academic performance two years later

“…Some schools do have breakfast programs, which are often funded by non-Government organizations, such as the Red Cross and Foodbank Australia [22]. Program delivery such as frequency, foods provided and eligibility varies by school.…”

Charity Starts … at Work? Conceptual Foundations for Research with Businesses that Donate to Food Redistribution Organisations

“…The food redistribution sector needs more attention from social researchers and policy makers to examine its strengths and limitations. Understanding the motivations of food industry donors is an important part of examining this sector, so that food redistribution does not develop unchecked or disrupt other upstream preventative actions [145].…”

Exploring nutrition capacity in Australia's charitable food sector

“…Australia's charitable food sector exists to address the immediate needs of people experiencing food insecurity. Food banks and food rescue organisations gather, sort and redistribute food to community organisations who use this food to provide emergency food relief (EFR) to their clients . As in other high‐income countries, demand for EFR in Australia is increasing .…”

“…As in other high‐income countries, demand for EFR in Australia is increasing . The sector provides food to up to two million Australians each year, yet in 2013–2014, demand for EFR substantially outweighed supply…”

“…For the purpose of this study, the term community food program (CFP) is used to describe any program that provides free or subsidised food to people experiencing food insecurity . In Australia, CFPs are often unable to meet the nutritional needs of clients .…”