Families struggling with the cost of living crisis are facing hunger while they await the results of an inquiry into Victoria’s food security, stakeholders say.

As more Australians face food shortages due to the cost of living crisis, pressure is growing on state and federal governments to take action.

About a third of the nearly 180 submissions to a survey into food security in the state of Victoria came from families in need, said Nick Rose, chief executive of Sustain: The Australian Food Network.

“The overwhelming message from these people is that they are struggling, eating less, paying less attention to quality and having to choose between buying medicine and feeding themselves,” Dr Rose told AAP.

“There was also a lot of anger at the supermarkets – that was another issue that came across very clearly.”

About one in three Australians suffer from moderate to severe food insecurity and face difficult daily food choices, says Foodbank, the country’s largest food assistance organization.

Faced with unprecedented demand and increasing donations, the organisation’s Victorian headquarters had to launch an emergency food drive to restock its shelves in early August.

“Victoria now exports most of the food we grow,” Dr Rose said.

About one in three Australians suffer from moderate to severe food insecurity and have to make difficult choices about their daily diet, says Foodbank, the country’s largest food charity (symbol image).

According to the Australian Federal Government, Australia exports about 72 percent of the food it produces, with Victoria accounting for almost a quarter of agricultural production in gross value terms.

“Given our status as a net exporter of food and our prosperity, high levels of food insecurity despite such abundant production is an indictment of our food system,” said Dr. Rose.

Sustain has made around 30 recommendations to the inquiry, including the introduction of a nationwide food systems and security strategy and the appointment of a minister to oversee that strategy.

In addition, a fund of $250 million will be created, which will be financed by an expansion of the existing payroll tax surcharges for large companies.

“This funding mechanism already exists and we see a clear and compelling case for a moderate expansion to effectively support community members. Moreover, community organizations are already in the midst of this crisis,” said Dr. Rose.

Victoria’s Legal and Social Affairs Committee will report on the inquiry in November, but Dr Rose has been disappointed by the state and federal governments’ responses in the past.

As the cost of living crisis plunges more and more Australians into food insecurity, pressure is growing on state and federal governments to take action (symbol image)

“At best, we will see the implementation of some simple recommendations and a ‘plan to build a plan’ updated every few years,” he said.

“In the worst case, they are put on ice, there is little commitment and the omnipresent voices of supporters are ignored.”

“We and many others are calling for the State Government to take immediate, bold action to ensure a successful, healthy, sustainable and equitable food system for all Victorians.”