UnitingSA is seeing a surge in demand for essential pantry items like milk, cereal and tinned food. The not-for-profit organisation says demand has doubled in recent weeks.

“Our stock of pantry items would normally last us about four weeks. We’ve been through that amount in two weeks and we’re only at the start of Winter,” says Jen Hall, UnitingSA CEO.

“We know people are making hard choices. We’ve stocked up on dog food because we know people are choosing to feed their pets over themselves. If we’re giving them a food voucher – and then we give them some pet food as well – we at least know that they’re both going to eat.

“What we’re facing is being mirrored around the country,” says Jen Hall, UnitingSA CEO.

It comes as UnitingCare Australia[1] says that services across the national UnitingCare network are experiencing significant growth in demand including:

  • financial counselling increasing by up to 25 per cent
  • emergency relief surging by up to 35 per cent

UnitingSA says the groundswell of demand is coming from multiple directions.

“More and more households are struggling to afford everyday essentials.

“Rising interest rates are putting families under mortgage stress – so we’re seeing dual-income families seeking help for the first time.

“Add to that a housing crisis, which is forcing more people into homelessness and you’ve really got a ‘perfect storm’ for emergency relief services.”

UnitingSA has launched its 2026 Winter Appeal and is calling for:

  • Financial donations to enable support to be directed where it is needed most
  • Non-perishable foods like pasta, sauces, soups, canned fruit and vegetables.
  • Pet food to support much-loved pets
  • Nappies and baby essentials for young mums.

UnitingSA accepts donations on weekdays at 58 Dale Street, Port Adelaide or go to unitingsa.com.au

 MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
CEO, Jenny Hall, is available for interview.

Media Contact:
Shannon Short
Communications and Media Lead
UnitingSA
0466 419 528