Food security

‘Food security’ means people have reliable access to food that is:

safe
healthy
affordable
culturally acceptable
enough to meet their need.

In South Australia, around 16% of households struggle to access enough food, making food assistance a critical part of community support services.

This page explores efforts to combat food insecurity in South Australia, showcasing key initiatives, research, and new approaches.

Key Initiatives

Food Relief Sector Community of Practice

Established in 2018, this group connects service providers and charities to share resources, discuss challenges, and improve food relief strategies. It meets quarterly to address operational and strategic issues.

Creating a Secure Food System in South Australia Project

Launched in 2023 by Preventive Health SA and DHS, this project explores food insecurity through research and community engagement.

The Centre for Social Impact Flinders developed a discussion paper on best-practice food systems, while the South Australian Council of Social Service and DemocracyCo consulted people with lived experience. Over 600 people described the effects of food insecurity, highlighting the need for dignity, choice, and access to affordable food.

To successfully address food security, cooperation is needed between governments, food relief organisations, researchers, and the food industry.

New Approaches: Social Supermarkets

DHS is developing a Social Supermarket Program to provide dignified access to low-cost food in a retail-like setting. The service will be available to everyone; there will be no eligibility tests. Social supermarkets will offer access to social services aimed at helping people navigate food insecurity, foster community connections, and provide additional support or referrals where needed.

By shifting from traditional food relief to more sustainable and inclusive food retail models, South Australia aims to improve food security and empower anyone facing food hardship.