Facing Hunger, Finding Help: Users’ and Volunteers’ Experiences of Food Insecurity and Food Relief

Abstract

An estimated one-third of Australian households experienced food insecurity between 2022-2024. Through three studies, this thesis explores the experiences and perspectives of food relief users and volunteers regarding food insecurity, food relief, stigma, and financial well-being. Together, the three studies highlight the need to address the physical, mental, and social well-being of potentially vulnerable food-insecure populations who use food relief. Recommendations for anti-stigma strategies, behaviour-change considerations, and social transformation are explored throughout.