Anti Poverty Week highlights the surging rate of poverty and food insecurity experienced due to the impacts of COVID-19.

According to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2020, almost a third of Australians experiencing food insecurity had never experienced it before COVID-19. 1 in every 9 people in NSW live below the poverty line.

In my electorate, community groups and charities are stepping up to help tackle poverty and food insecurity caused by the financial impact of COVID-19. Addison Road Community Pantry is providing tens of thousands of people with low-cost groceries and essential supplies, Gift of Bread is supplying repurposed bread, and community pantries have been established across the inner west including the Connect Marrickville Pantry, The Ville Pantry, Tempe Community Pantry, and the Ashfield Blessing Box.

Community legal centres are providing support with those facing housing insecurity and organisations like Metro Assist are working to support temporary visa holders falling through the cracks.

Anti-Poverty Week reminds us that we have so much more to do to make sure that no-one is left behind as we work together to recover from both the COVID‑19 pandemic and build a better economy that supports those who need it most.