Children & families
I don’t manage. I survive. I have gone without food for five days before so my children could eat, only having water. I’ve stopped taking some of my own medications so I can afford food for my children. Feeling unable to do anything more is horrible.
Home | Children & families
What we found
-
For many households with children, meeting everyday costs was a challenge this past year, with many families enduring severe financial hardship and food insecurity. Low-income households used a significant portion of their finances to meet basic living costs, leaving little to no disposable funds for education, food and healthcare for their children.
-
Many respondents with children reported feeling shame and guilt about not being able to meet their children’s basic needs. Some expressed sadness and even desperation, wanting their children to have a better life and access to opportunities that would help them flourish.
Families going without
- After paying for housing costs and other essential household bills, such as food, medical costs, utilities and childcare expenses, respondents exceeded their income and were in deficit $4 per day, with nothing left over to save or spend on non-essentials
- 87% of households with children were living below the poverty line
- 81% said they lived week to week, just covering their basic expenses
- 62% skipped meals so their children could eat
- 62% struggled to afford clothes and shoes for their children
- 61% went without a computer, laptop or tablet
- 43% could not afford essentials, such as baby formula or nappies
- 36% could not cover the cost of non-prescription medications, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- 13% reported their children went to school hungry
I’m a single mother who was in a [domestic violence] situation. I’ve had to restart over again, which put me in financial hardship. I’m in more debt now than ever. Every day is a struggle — mentally, financially and emotionally. I go without myself to give my kids what they need. Bills are paid first, then kids' food, but the increase in everyday living means my kids are going to have less food. I never ask for help, but I’m going to have to soon if something doesn’t give, as every day I wake up, the bills just keep piling up… So, it’s all taken a huge toll. I never thought I would be in this situation.
- 39-year-old woman from Queensland
Most of the time, I didn’t buy my food. I just drink water to fill up my tummy. And the milk for the baby, for example, one bottle is for four scoops of milk, I always put two scoops in every bottle. I didn’t use nappies for the baby because I can’t afford to buy nappies for her. And also, when we wash our clothes, we are not using soap. I can’t afford that.
- 27-year-old woman from New South Wales
I don't manage. I survive. I have gone without food for five days before so my children could eat, only having water. I've stopped taking some of my own medications so I can afford food for my children. Feeling unable to do anything more is horrible.
- 29-year-old woman from Queensland
How the Salvos help
In 2024, the Salvos Youth services:
- Assisted more than 4600 young people
- Provided more than 82,000 sessions of care to young people
- Provided more than 62,000 nights of accomodation