Need for free food service rises as cost of living, housing crisis hits Tasmanians

The state’s “dire” housing and cost of living crisis has forced more people to access free food services – with St Vincent de Paul Society CEO saying they have never before seen this level of need. But a new food van is set to help >>

Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The state’s “dire” housing and cost of living crisis has forced more people to access free food services – with St Vincent de Paul Society CEO saying they had never before seen this level of need.

On Saturday, the second of three new Loui’s Vans – operated by Vinnies volunteers – was launched.

The vans will hit the road and service different regions around the state, and are part of a $165k state government funding package.

Vinnie’s volunteer Bev Thompson has seen first-hand the impact of the state’s worsening housing and cost of living crisis, as she operates one van across Hobart and Glenorchy.

“There needs to be a more concentrated focus on it as well … it’s pretty dire out there,” Ms Thompson said.

Volunteer Bev Thompson (L) with CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Heather Kent stand with one of the new Loui's Van. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

She said in the past couple of years she had seen a rise from about 20 people per night, to up to 55 people accessing the van’s services – depending on the night.

“I think the economy has had a lot to do with it, and we’re definitely seeing more people come out now … and the people, they may still have a job but can’t quite cover everything. “They might have been able to cover the bills, but not the food – so they come down to the van and get clothing or sanitary items, or bread for the sandwiches for the kids for the week.”

The Mercury last week reported that Tasmania’s homelessness rate was increasing faster than anywhere else in the nation.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported an estimated 2350 Tasmanian’s were homeless in 2021, a 45 per cent increase from 1622 in 2016.

Bev Thompson and Heather Kent. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms Thompson said people from all walks of life were accessing the service, from people who had lost their jobs and families, to parents struggling to feed their kids.

“There have been instances where we’ve had people say to us without you we wouldn’t have anything to eat … and it’s just nice to come out and get that cup of tea or a soup and have someone to chat to.”

St Vincent de Paul Society CEO Heather Kent said more volunteers were always needed.

“Vinnies has been operating for over 100 years in the Tasmanian community, but never before have we seen the level of need,” she said.

“We know our members are doing everything they can to support families to deal with wave after wave.”