Poverty has a constant presence in our rich country. In 2018 a study by Zurich-based Credit Suisse, one of the world’s biggest investment banks and providers of financial services, ranked Australia second after Switzerland as the wealthiest country per person in the world The USA was third, but the gap between rich and poor was much greater in America than Switzerland or Australia. Now, in 2026, there is little difference except the rich countries have become richer. The gap has broadened. Poverty continues.
Each week various not-for-profit organisations pre-order food items listed on the online portal. It shows what is currently available to be taken, by approved providers, after Foodbank receives regular donations from supermarkets, farms, individuals and large mass food producers. Potatoes too big for supermarket guidelines, avocados too small, yoghurt close to its use-by date, long life milk, rice, pasta, canned meat, fruit and vegetables.
Frozen pizzas, bread and potato chips are nearly always available. The food is often prepared in community hall kitchens, made into communal meals or supplied to people living in isolated rural towns. Poverty and need are not defined by geography. Rent in small towns can be cheaper but shops are scarce and expensive. Travel costs are high, especially if you don’t have a car. Sometimes there is no public transport or a sympathetic neighbour next door.
