This timely book provides an overview of the evolution of food charity in Australia, from the early days of colonial settlement to the current system of food pantries and emergency relief.

Examining the social, cultural, economic, and political factors that have contributed to the growth of food insecurity in Australia, it provides a multifaceted and nuanced understanding of this key social issue, placing the situation in Australia in context with the wider region. The book explores the various forms of food charity that have emerged over the years - government-funded programs, religious and charitable organisations, and community-based initiatives - and the reasons behind them, including the rise of neoliberal policies, the decline of welfare programs, and the increasing prevalence of insecure work and low wages. The author highlights the voices and experiences of those directly affected by food insecurity, offering a critical analysis of the limitations and challenges of food charity as a solution to food insecurity, proposing alternative approaches that prioritise human rights, food justice, and systemic change.

An erudite discussion of this often-controversial topic, this book will interest practitioners working in the emergency and community food assistance sector, those working in, and with an interest in, welfare, inequality, and the social determinants of health, researchers and students across public health, public policy, and other related fields.

Autorentext

Fiona H McKay is an Associate Professor in the School of Health and Social Development and the Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Australia.