FAQs

The Government of South Australia (through Preventive Health SA and the Department of Human Services) is wanting to better understand how people are experiencing food insecurity and what would help them to access enough safe and healthy food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences as well as their families’.

Following this engagement process a summary and discussion paper will be presented to government to inform prioritisation of future action in this space.

Government is hoping to hear from people who have experienced food insecurity.

• The Department for Human Services (DHS) has a significant investment in direct food relief in South Australia, funding Foodbank SA and other food hubs and social supermarkets to provide access to free or low-cost, nutritious food.  As well, the DHS funded Financial Wellbeing Program also provides emergency assistance which includes free food hampers and food vouchers for those that need it.  Additionally, in 2024, DHS provided over $1M in grants to community organisations seeking to address food insecurity in their local communities.
• DHS and Preventive Health SA have jointly supported food security projects since 2016, including the publication of the Improving individual household and food security outcomes in South Australia, development of the South Australian Food Relief Charter and the Nutritional Guidelines for Food Relief Sector in South Australia, establishment of a food security communities of practice and support for research to develop the service model for a social supermarket.
• The government has committed to funding breakfast program providers so that no child or young person in need of food, should be turned away.  Breakfast program provisions are offered to any government school, preschool and many non government schools, offering items such as toast, cereal, sandwiches and fruit to students. 
• In 2024, Government schools and preschools can apply for a grant to support learn about growing, preparing and accessing healthy foods. Projects aim to enhance community food and gardening knowledge and skills, factors that contribute to long term food security.