Tiana-Lee Foley in court for stealing

The high cost of living caught up with a Maryborough mother of two who stole more than $200 worth of groceries so her children would not go hungry.

A Maryborough mum who stole more than $200 worth of groceries has told a court she did it to stop her kids from going hungry.

Tiana-Lee Foley, 22, pleaded guilty to stealing when she faced Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The court heard that on February 9, 2022, Foley went into Fresh & Save supermarket in Maryborough and loaded $232.87 worth of groceries into a trolley.

She left via the express checkout but did not pay.

Foley was asked for a receipt by a staff member, but continued leaving.

When police questioned her about the incident, she claimed she had paid digitally but was unable to provide a receipt.

But she later admitted she hadn’t paid, saying she had taken the items for her children, who were aged two and eight months old, because she was “doing it tough” that week.

The court heard Foley had been struggling to provide food for her children and felt ashamed.

She had been suffering post natal depression and was taking medication.

Foley now knew to explore other avenues, such as charities, rather than stealing, the court heard.

She had no history of dishonesty.

Magistrate Trinity McGarvie said everyone was doing it tough at the moment, but that did not excuse Foley’s actions.

Foley was ordered to pay restitution for the groceries and was placed on a $450 good behaviour bond.

No conviction was recorded.

Life Church Reverend Fakava Finau, who helps at the Food Basket, a low cost supermarket in Maryborough, urged people to reach out for help as the cost of living skyrockets.

He said the Food Basket offered low prices and food vouchers for those who were struggling.

Reverend Finau said the main aim of the organisation was to ensure nobody walked out hungry and to provide as much assistance as possible.

The Food Basket is located in Kent St, Maryborough, and can be contacted on 0411 673 683.